Yes, Ford worked with a coachbuilder to create a Fairmont-based replacement for the Ranchero. Sending these out to be finished presumably raised cost and price, so not many of these were built. As beautiful as it is, I can’t imagine why. THAT was sarcasm.
This one appears to be in good enough shape and the seller claims that the immediate past owner rebuilt the engine and trans. If you want to be highly unusual, this fits the bill. That being said, the price may be a lot to ask.
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Akron, OH
$7,250 BIN with offers considered
02/19/2014 update: Ended unsold with 5 offers
The tailgate it pretty cool, but probably didn’t seem like a good idea when one wanted to haul something ling and leave it folded down.
Yep – no brake lights with gate down.
VERY late 70s/early 80s red interior looks pretty good. Well, the condition looks good…
There’s really nothing exciting under the hood, but it’s clean.
Ad text:
When Ford downsized their mid-size line by replacing the Torino with the Fairmont, they were left without a platform on which to build the popular Ranchero “car truck”. Ford commissioned a California company, Northern Coach, to build a test series of small pickups based on the Fairmont platform to determine demand. Completed Fairmont Futura coupes were sent to Northern Coach for conversion into pickups. The rear half of the roof and trunk were cut and pre-formed fiberglass bed was added. Some also received working tailgates. All in all, a total of 212 were built. They were well received in dealer showrooms but for decided against going forward with the project due to high development and tooling costs. I bought this Durango about eight years ago because I wanted a cool “shop truck” for my car hobby. I love original, unrestored cars and this one fit the bill perfectly. The body and chassis are totally rust free. The paint is 100% original although it has been faded and dulled by the hot southwest sun. There are some small scratches in the finish and some dings in the original trim. The original six cylinder engine and automatic transmission were rebuilt by the previous owner and function perfectly with no leaks. The interior upholstery is in excellent condition and may have been redone. Original carpets show appropriate wear and dash plastic has some sun cracks. The car was loaded by the factory with high end options like moon roof, bucket seats and wire wheel covers. This is a tailgate equipped Durango. Overall, it’s a high-spec example of a very rare model which shows wonderful patina of a functioning original car. The only reason I am selling this vehicle is that I have found and even more unique car-based pickup to use for my car hobby. I will be happy to answer any questions about the car and welcome personal inspection. The winning bidder will be required to send a $500 deposit within 48 hours of the auction end. Full payment will be required within seven days. I will be happy to help coordinate shipping but it will be at the buyer’s expense. I can store the car inside for up to thirty days at no additional expense. Good luck and thank you for your interest!