Mercury Bobcat
Since downsizing was the name of the game in the mid-’70s, Mercury decided to go a step further and introduce a model based on the ill-fated Ford Pinto. Called Bobcat, it was introduced in 1974 and sold until 1980. The idea was to present a luxurious compact and offer economy buyers more upscale features in this cost-oriented segment. The Bobcat was not a luxury car per se but a luxury version of an economy model (via Autopian).
The car was practically the same as the Pinto, but there was one exciting version called Bobcat Wagon. It was a compact three-door station wagon with upscale features, better equipment, and a woodgrain panel option. The Bobcat Wagon was a perfect little urban runabout with compact dimensions but lots of usable space.