Ford Durango - Authenticity

Authenticity

Although there are no firm production numbers, there were likely as many (if not more "one-off") "truck" conversions to Fairmonts by individuals than created by National Coach. This has led to the belief they were produced during most or all of the years (1978-1983) of Fairmont production as these custom conversions were often labeled as Durangos by their owners. There are two relatively easy ways to determine whether the conversion was done by National:

(1) Model year: The Durango was not produced by National prior to the 1981 model year and no 1983 models were produced. If the car in question is a 1978, 1979, 1980 or 1983 model year Fairmont - then it is not an original Durango.

(2) Functional tailgate: This is the easiest way to determine a real Durango. National built a functional tailgate that dropped down via hinges at the bottom. This required the addition of an approximately three-inch filler panel at the back of the Fairmont's quarter panel to allow the tailgate to clear the rear bumper (see picture).