The Ford Fairmont, though not exactly terrible, has never been a particularly inspiring car in any of its standard forms. It did lend its Fox platform to the 1979 Mustang, so many have used the interchangeability of Mustang go-fast parts to spice up the Fairmont, but if you want me to sit up and take notice, this is a better way to go. This is the Durango, an unofficial but Ford-approved Ranchero replacement built in small numbers (212 seems to be the consensus, but no one is sure) between 1979 and 1982. The surprisingly straightforward conversion of Fairmont Futura coupes was performed by National Coach Products in Gardena, California. This 1981 example, which may (or may not) be one of the only factory V8 equipped Durangos, is being offered in Fayetteville, Arkansas on eBay, where bidding is fast approaching the seller’s $6,500 Buy-it-Now price. Thanks to reader Dale F. for the heads-up!
The integration of the tailgate into the original Fairmont styling is both clever and a little impractical, since incorporating the taillights and license plate means that the gate can’t be left down for longer loads. I wonder, too, about the durability of a fiberglas bed, but it certainly looks to be a useful size, neatly splitting the difference between a Subaru BRAT and the Chevy El Camino—and certainly more in step with the times than the bloated Ranchero had been in its final year, 1979. Design work on the Durango was completed that same year, but unfortunately, the designer, Jim Stephenson, suffered kidney failure and the project was put on hold for nearly two years before production really began in earnest. Most Durangos, like this one, are ’81s, with a few ’82s.
It’s also thought that most, if not all, Durangos came with Ford’s 200-cubic inch inline six and a three-speed automatic, but this one’s rocking a 302 V8. The seller implies that this is the original engine, but then again, there’s that parts interchangeability with the contemporary Mustang to take into consideration—especially since this Durango is wearing what look an awful lot like Mustang alloy wheels, too. Mileage is claimed at 49k, but I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a 1 missing from the front of that number.
Certainly the interior belies a fair bit of use, with significant deterioration of the handsome tweedy cloth inserts on the seats and a peculiar mismatch between the woodgrain on the dash and the steering wheel hub. If we’re leaning into the whole Mustang pickup thing, maybe a pair of Mustang GT Recaro sport seats could take the place of the bench? The exterior similarly shows signs of age and use, which are commendably documented. I don’t think I’d change a thing about the copper and brown two-tone scheme, though.
I’m a sucker for this kind of vehicle—I learned to drive in an El Camino—and I kind of wish Ford had been on the ball enough to offer this as a factory variant so that there could be more of them running around. There aren’t, though, so I think the asking price for this mechanically sound but cosmetically tired Durango is pretty fair. It certainly makes an ordinary Fairmont about a thousand times more interesting!
According to National Coach literature and the Ford Order Guide, only the six was offered on the Durango. This one most likely had an engine swap.
Yes, engine swap but also wheel swap and coy (lying) about actual mileage. What else isn’t seller disclosing? I don’t mind the changes. I love hot rodding, in fact, especially when kept period, but that’s not how the seller seems to be presenting it aand when flags go up, I start to wonder.
I’m the seller. I’m not lying or being Coy about anything. I do not imply the engine is original. I don’t know. I only know all supposedly had 200 cube sixes when new as I stated. I have also done all I can to show every single thing wrong with the car and have even more underside pics for those who want them. I have owned the car for a couple years and it was sitting long before I got it.
Thanks for replying Mark and I’m glad to learn my initial reaction was wrong. I’ve just encountered enough shady sellers that I tend to be skeptical.
The wheels came off an ’83-’86 T-Bird.
Church social in front, party in back!
Nice looking car, and I’m a Chevy guy
At least they don’t think it’s worth a fortune and as rare as hens teeth.
Come on BF. I’m pretty sure this one’s been covered before and if not, it’s been for sale for a while, possibly a year or more. Interesting and different but not really a barn find IMHO. Show me the dust!
I’ve always loved these conversions. I’m a nut for anything different and made more useful. I would keep the V8 and hotrod the heck out of it. Definitely add the Mustang steering column, buckets and center console with the floor shifter though. Also a nice new wood steering wheel to finish it off. Maybe power windows and locks since this is already a conversion anyway so the sky’s the limit on add-ons. I would also add a 4 lug to 5 lug Mustang axle swap with a set of A/R polished Torque Thrust rims and BFG Radial T/A’s.
The first thing I’d do is move the horn button. That has to be one of the dumbest things I ever saw in a car, every time I went around a corner “HONK!”
I’m the seller. I’m not lying or being Coy about anything. I do not imply the engine is original. I don’t know. I only know all supposedly had 200 cube sixes when new as I stated. I have also done all I can to show every single thing wrong with the car and have even more underside pics for those who want them. I have owned the car for a couple years and it was sitting long before I got it.
I own one myself, and there are are I think another 4 more owned by Barn Finds users. They were available with any engine that you could order in a Fairmont at the time, which in ’81 was the 2.3L 4, the 3.3L 6 and the 4.2L (255) 8. I have VINs of about 20 known Durangos and all of them are 6 cylinder cars but I would not be surprised to find one or more with a 4 or 8.
There is something wrong with the VIN listed in the auction – it should start with a 1. The full VIN will tell what it came down the line with.
Either way, even if it did come with a 8 cylinder originally, it wasn’t a 302.
That said, seems like an okay price for a running and driving V8 version that needs some further love. They’ll never really be worth much, despite the rarity.
Here’s the other Durangos that have been on Barn Finds:
One that looks to have been rear-ended and modified (comments have the BF Durango owner roll call):
http://barnfinds.com/dude-1981-ford-durango/
’82 from 2015:
http://barnfinds.com/fairmont-pickup-1982-ford-durango/
I like the (pseudo) Lincoln Phaeton in the background, wonder its story is?
It’s a ’79 Town Car with 46K on it that we cut the top off of and woodgrained. I couldn’t sell it for $6500 so I made it into a parade car and woodgrained it. Now I actually use it!
Oh yea, this is what ford should have been making back then. Very cool looks. Like the dress up kit on the engine too.
Hi Rich S!
Are you starting a Durango registry? Since you have all the VINs. Would you like mine? I have an original “dealer?” Brochure. And it states all the engine options were available. However I have never seen an original that did not come with anything but a six. Mine came with a six and automatic. But was also equipped with the standard Mustang console and what appear to be upgraded bucket seats. Also factory A/C, tilt wheel, power steering and cruise control. But no power locks or windows.
And yes, I will upgrading with 5.0, 5 speed and various other suspension mods and every chassis reinforcement that I can find. As I expect this modified car to be VERY flexible in the chassis department.
I will also be modifying the front end sheet metal like you Rich. But in a different way.
the fox bodies were someo f the best built fords in years. they were like tanks and ran forever people should have more respect for them. drive one youll love them
Fist time I’ve ever seen one. IMO Ford should have done something to promote these, like install some HP.