While technically it’s not a production vehicle, the 1981-82 Ford Durango does exist…in the hundreds. As many as 350 of the cut-down Ford Fairmont Futura utes were made by National Coach Works. They were all powered by the 3.3L inline-six and had automatic transmissions, a fiberglass cargo bed and a fold-down tailgate that incorporated the taillights and the license plate housing. That tailgate is the clue that you have found one of the real-deal Durangos. But if you look at the shape of a Fairmont Futura, the “basket hoop” B-pillar shape looks like the perfect place to do a little slicing and dicing if you are so inclined to make your own homemade Ranchero replacement.

So what does this Fairmont have that a Durango doesn’t, besides a lack of a tailgate and a steel bed? Let’s start with that 302 under the hood and the black and silver paint scheme that hints at the 1979 Mustang Pace Car just a little bit. The scooped hood is an interesting, if unnecessary touch and the rest of the car is pretty predictable…an aged but solid interior, four-lug hubs with aftermarket wheels that need to go away, and a tonneau cover.

The 302 sells the car for us. We’d make some tweaks here and there, but overall this faux-Durango looks like a solid start for an oddball Fox body build.

eBay Link: 1979 Ford Fairmont Futura (ute conversion)