1979 Ford Fairmont

The 1979 Ford Fairmont was available as a 2- and 4-door sedan, sport coupe, and a station wagon. They were very popular with just 395,360 built this year. The base engine was an overhead cam four-cylinder unit displacing 140 cubic-inches and offering 88 horsepower. An optional six-cylinder unit displaced 200 cubic-inches and offering 85 horsepower. An overhead valve V8 was available, displacing 5 liters and delivering 140 horsepower. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard along with a rack-and pinion steering setup.

For 1979, Ford offered the Fairmont with seven additional body colors and four new vinyl roof colors. The ignition and door locks were updated to help deter theft. New options included a new-design speed control, performance instruments, tilt steering, ultra-fidelity premium sound system, remote decklid release, and flip-up open-air roof. Wide vinyl-insert body side moldings could be purchased on the Futura models.

The Futura Sport Coupe came with unique tape striping, color-keyed turbine wheel covers, and charcoal argent grille.

The ES package included a black cowl grille, bright belt moldings, black window frames and quarter window vent louvers, body-side moldings, and a blackout grille. They also had turbine wheel covers, an upgraded suspension, and dual black sail-mount sport mirrors.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014