1979 ford fairmont/ranchero

[agalbraith]

http://www.cruisenewsonline.com/ClassifiedPics/79FordFAirmont185.jpg

1979 FORD FAIRMONT
Futura professionally built into Ranchero. Auto, 302 engine, alum. intake, Holley 4bbl, Flowmasters, PS, A/C, PB, tilt. Runs strong, unique, different, and cheap! Asking $4,500.
Call 352-799-0330

[LTDScott]

Based on the year and the lack of a tailgate, I'm guessing this is a homebuilt and not a Durango?

[agalbraith]

Based on the year and the lack of a tailgate, I'm guessing this is a homebuilt and not a Durango?

a Durango? Whats THAT???:eek::D

[Rob Stercraw]

a Durango? Whats THAT???:eek::D

The Ford Fairmont Durango (no relation to the Dodge) was a Ford Fairmont Futura coupe converted into a Ranchero-like pickup truck by a coach builder (limousine, van conversions, ect) in southern California then sold through Ford dealers.

The trunk lid, quarter windows and rear seat were removed and the roof cut across the back just behind the B-pillar. Some reinforcements were added and a composite one-piece bed was slid in the open area. The factory rear light assembly was bolted to a functional flip-down tailgate. So the taillights would clear the rear bumper, an approximately 3" long filler piece was added to the back of the quarter panels. The lack of a functional tailgate is the #1 indicator of a one-off custom.

There were approximately 200 built between 1981 and 1982. Most, if not all came with the 200-6 and automatic. There are probably as many (if not more) custom one-off conversions that as those that went through the "factory". I bought on this past summer. The pics below are not of mine (mine is in my avatar pic) but give you an idea of what they were like.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2839363073_cdf91ea6a4.jpg?v=0
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/05/Ford_Durango.jpg

If you want more info on these, I've copied and scanned both a factory sales brochure and an article from 1981 Pickup, Van & 4WD review of the Durango:
http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/22069082-ratbert86

[agalbraith]

wow, simply wow.

I MUST have one.

[LTDScott]

Then you better act quickly:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ford-Fairmont-Durango-Ford-Durango-pickup-very-rare-and-unmolested_W0QQitemZ260553610001QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3caa349311

[agalbraith]

stunning really .