Ford Durango

For the Dodge truck, see Dodge Durango.
Ford Durango

1981 Ford Durango
Overview
Manufacturer National Coach Works
Ford
Production 1978–1982
Body and chassis
Class Compact
Body style 2-door Coupe Utility (pickup truck)
Layout FR layout
Related Ford Fairmont Futura
Powertrain
Engine 200 in3 (3.3 L) Thriftpower Six I6
Transmission 3-speed automatic
Chronology
Predecessor Ford Ranchero

The Ford Durango is a two-passenger coupe utility sold by Ford from 1978 to 1982.[1] Produced from a joint venture between Ford and the National Coach Works of Los Angeles, California, the Durango was intended as a replacement for the Ford Ranchero, which had ceased production at the end of the 1979 model year. The Durango competed against the newly downsized Chevrolet El Camino.

Design

New Ford Fairmonts were delivered to National Coach Works, which modified the body; the version used for the conversion was the two-door Fairmont Futura coupe. Modification of the body involved removal of the roof behind the B-pillar, removing the trunk and rear seat area and then inserting a fiberglass cargo bed behind the front seats. After conversion, they were sold by Ford dealers nationwide. Durangos were powered by the venerable Ford 200-cubic-inch inline six.

No production records were kept by either Ford or National Coach, and estimates vary, but most say between 80 and 350 units were built. The Pickup, Van and 4WD magazine from December 1981 features an article about the Durango that states: "The project had been planned for an earlier date in 1981 than that which was finally achieved, so only a little over 100 units were assembled before the current-year model went out of production."


The rear of the Durango shows the fiberglass cargo well 
Side profile, showing Futura coupe B-pillar 

References

  1. ↑ Strohl, Daniel (January 3, 2008). "Ford’s last ‘chero – the Durango". Hemmings Daily. Retrieved July 14, 2015.

External links

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