When the Ford Fairmont was launched for the 1978 model year, Ford was not targeting performance drivers. Instead, period advertisements - opens in new window or tab. touted Fairmont’s low starting price, good fuel economy, and spacious interior compared to imports.
The ads didn’t mention what was lurking beneath the Fairmont’s cabin. The car rode on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Fox-body Ford Mustang - opens in new window or tab., making it a sleeper hot rod. The Fairmont only recently gained favor with enthusiasts - opens in new window or tab..
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Ford offered the Fairmont as a sedan, wagon, or—as seen in the car recently sold on eBay—a sporty coupe configuration.
Most Fairmonts ended up in the hands of owners interested in basic transportation and were driven into the ground by family commuters long before anybody considered them collector cars. Fortunately, this Ford Fairmont Futura was well-preserved.
With just 36,000 miles showing on the clock, this top-trim coupe from the first year of production shows like a new car. Better still, it is equipped with the original manual transmission - opens in new window or tab. and floor shifter.
Ford Fairmont Futura: Not a Sleeper, Just Sleepy
This Futura was likely a special-order car, with the options list reflecting the first owner’s taste. It’s factory equipped with air conditioning, bucket seats, and an AM/FM radio. Other period extras include a vinyl roof covering, wire wheel covers - opens in new window or tab., and contrasting white pinstriping.
Things are less interesting under the hood. Instead of the legendary 5.0-liter V-8, this one has the original six-cylinder engine. Slipping a 5.0 under the hood would be a relatively easy swap, with everything you need readily available on eBay.
A lot could be done to improve the Ford Fairmont’s handling and stopping power. Many of the suspension - opens in new window or tab. and brake - opens in new window or tab. upgrades available to Mustang owners can also be fitted to this Futura. That would turn the car into a responsive performance machine. With a curb weight below 3,000 pounds, the Fairmont is light enough to be transformed into a different animal.
Showroom Fresh
On the other hand, there’s something about this 1978 Ford Fairmont Futura’s stock appearance that makes a case for leaving it as is. The interior is in pristine condition, with no apparent tears or rips. The back seat looks like it's never been sat in.
With woodgrain appliques over the dash and doors, the interior has a distinct ’70s look, down to carpeting on the lower sections of the doors. The dark green paint shines like new, and the contrasting tan vinyl roof covering and whitewall tires - opens in new window or tab. complete the look.
The listing for this Ford Fairmont Futura didn’t last long with a Buy-It-Now price of $9,900. While that seemed like a screaming deal, the seller accepted a lower offer. As far as what might happen next, the sky's the limit.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.