page_title: Ford Durango
section_title: Features
hierarchical_section_title: Ford Durango / Design overview / Features
caption_attribution_description: English: Fairmont Durango functional tailgate detail
context_page_description: The Ford Durango is a two-passenger coupe utility sold in limited production by Ford Motor Company between the 1979 and 1982 model years. The vehicle was the result of a joint venture between Ford and National Coach Works, located in Los Angeles, California.
  While not officially a production vehicle or a replacement for the Ford Ranchero, the Durango was designed as a potential competitor to the newly downsized Chevrolet El Camino and was commissioned by Ford to be sold through Ford dealerships. As no official totals were kept by either company production estimates vary between the low 200s and 350, with 212 conversions known to have been made by National Coach Works.
context_section_description: As the B-pillar design of the Fairmont Futura coupe lent itself to the conversion on an unofficial basis, there are several unique features to the Durango that identify it as a vehicle converted by National Coach.  With the exception of a prototype based upon a 1979 Mercury Z-7, all examples were based upon the Fairmont Futura.  Conversions by National Coach, which are the only versions with a functioning tailgate, feature a fiberglass filler panel between the cargo bed and the tailgate; the design of the panel stores the tailgate hinges when it is folded down.  
  As equipped from the factory, the Ford Durango was equipped only with a 200 cubic-inch inline six, the mid-range engine of the Fairmont line.  The engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.  
  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."  Nearly all factory-converted Durangos were produced during the 1981 model year;  it is unknown how many 1982 examples were produced.
caption: Ford Durango tailgate detail, showing filler panel and integrated taillamps
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