1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Turbo in Black & Silver & Engine Sound on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

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On "My Car Story" we're at the Carlisle Events in Carlisle PA at the Ford Nationals on 5-31-19.
We're looking at a 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura in Black & Silver Paint. The car features the factory installed turbo 4 cylinder engine.
The car's Owner is Eric Martin. Eric’s had this car since 1987. He shares he had a Fairmont without the turbo, and found out that the Factory installed them, and went on to search for a turbo Fairmont, and eventually found this car.
If you’re interested in learning about the different events at the Carlisle Events, go to the website at www.carlisleevents.com
ENJOY!

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Never knew they made a turbo in a Fairmount learned something today

[@loucostabile]

Hi larry borkstrom, I'm learning from the Care Takers from the cars on the Channel all the time. I think that is so much fun. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@paulkirkland1535]

Lou:I do remember these cars. There weren't many of them so this is a rare find. It's based on the fox body platform, so from that you had the following, Mustang SVO,T-bird, CougarXR-7 which this engine was available. It's the venerable Pinto based 2.3 litre SOHC turbocharged inline 4cyl. These first appeared in around '78 with a two barrel Datra Weber carburetter before the fuel injection system was used. The fuel injection system did wake up the performance a bit thus the hp numbers became a lot better. It made about 175hp@6000-6500 rpm. With the intercooler around 220hp. These were good performing engines especially if you knew how to tune them correctly. I've worked on a number of these back in their day. It's great to see that the owner has taken great care of this car, you just don't see these anymore. Have a great God blessed day Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Paul, I do remember them. Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of the cars I share with you on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@79tazman]

They used holly carbs on the turbo cars and the 2.3 came in the Fairmount/Zephyr in 1980 it was not a big hit and did not sell too many it only made 120 net hp

[@garywood9525]

In 1981 I ordered the E-150 but i didn't know that the 1979 Ranchero was replaced with the Durango which was a 2.3L Fairmont based Ranchero . It also came with the 3.3L inline 6 or the V8 5.0 . If the Durango was built to handle the 5.0 (1982 ) , it would be a nice RestoMod to drop in a Crate BOSS 302 with a 6 spd double OD and the 3:73 rear .

[@fairfaxcat1312]

Certainly the Fairmont was one of the finest Ford lines. And to find a Turbo had to be the icing on the cake.

[@loucostabile]

HI Fairfaxcat, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Lou

[@davidbouffard522]

Who knew the day would come when we would be watching a video about a car like this?

[@loucostabile]

Hi David Bouffard, I agree....and enjoying it too :-) Lou

[@acts2211]

A turbocharged Ford 1980 didn't know it existed. Thanks for sharing Lou great video

[@loucostabile]

Hi acts2211, I'm learning from the Care Takers from the cars on the Channel all the time. I think that is so much fun. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@LynxStarAuto]

This engine was used in the Mustang (SVO), the Thunderbird, and also the Merkur XR4. At one point, Ford had big plans for this engine, but for one reason or another, decided to kill it off in the late 80's.

[@rogercamp6071]

@@LynxStarAuto Yes they had Thunderbird Turbo Coupes, one of my neighbors had a 1988 model and once I had the opportunity to see under the hood it surprised me as well

[@jiveturkey9993]

That owner is pretty dang smart. To maintain that car so well and see it as a collectible. If I would have bought that car back then I just would have drove it into the ground and threw it away.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bill Barry, Clearly the right Care Taker for this car :-) Lou

[@joe6096]

Great find Lou! Most of these cars are in the junkyard or beyond by now because they were sort of disposable cars to begin with, and most people would have never thought to take care of a late-70s to early 80s Fairmont. It’s always neat to find one in great shape and even cooler to see one souped up!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joe, Like to bring something to the Channel you don't see to often. This one works :-) Lou

[@omar_padilla]

What! What! What!!!!!! Wow!!!!! Just when I think I've seen every ford this comes by and slaps me in the face and brings a big ol smile to my face. Never in a million years would I have thought this existed what!!!!!!. Great video

[@loucostabile]

Hi Omar Appidap, High praise for this car :-) Thank you for the kind words on this video, and I hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@omar_padilla]

@@whoeverwhatever9279 what!!! Are you serious? I'll have to look that one up thanks lol. Crazy!!

[@omar_padilla]

@@whoeverwhatever9279 lol alright you got me!!!! Lol

[@omar_padilla]

It's so rare that it doesn't even exist haw wow! Lol

[@rusty3831]

What a fun, yet unexpected car! Great survivor!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rusty, I like to keep it interesting with cars you might not see everyday (or we used to see everyday and don't now). Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@audiobuff77]

@@loucostabile Thank you for doing this Lou! I saw a Fairmont like this at a car show but it didn't have the Turbo option and it was Tan/Beige. We had a 1980 Cougar XR-7 with the same color interior and black leather wrap steering wheel like you see in this car. It was two-tone grey and silver but I like this Black and Silver combination better.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Lou, I didn't see this one coming. It is easily the foxiest, Fox-body Fairmont I've seen.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Right Lane Hog, I like to bring that "surprise" variety to the Channel. Interesting to see what the reactions will be for this car, Lou

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@loucostabile The two-tone exterior and vivid red interior were really the best of that era.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this color combo :-)

[@rays7437]

I've never seen an 80's Fairmont that wasn't completely rusted. Not only is it rare to see one in such fantastic condition, but a turbocharged one?! Wow

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ray S. Happy to receive a "Wow" from you :-) Lou

[@docbhowe]

Lou thanks for featuring this absolutely wonderful and extremely rare car. A one year option that you never see. It looks like he did a great job updating the engine with fuel injection and has really preserved the car nicely. Mercury also sold turbo versions of their Zephyr in that period but I've never seen one aside from the brochure. Great video of a super rare Fox. Thanks again.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Brenden Howe, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@dnanestrau]

I remember the TV commercial that featured the turbo Fairmont. They were rare even back then. I worked at a Ford dealership from '85-'91 and never ran across one of these in person. Great job as always Lou!

[@loucostabile]

HI dnanestrau, Happy to read this car brings back memories, and glad to read you appreciate the rarity of this car :-) Lou

[@mariolt4940]

Great looking Ford

[@mariolt4940]

You don't see those anymore. My dad had a 1984 Granada he bought almost new.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mario Lt4, Happy to read you enjoy the design of this car :-) Lou

[@dastardlydave1455]

Nice Fairmont. Never knew they did a 4cyl turbo. The car I learned how to drive in was a red Fairmont wagon with 4cyl & stick shift.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dastardly Dave, Happy to read this one brings back memories of the car you learned to drive :-) Lou

[@aimee65]

I did bought new 1980 turbo fairmount brand new in jan 1980 and drove for 4 years and traded off for 1984 t-bird. Thank for video it bought great remember of my young.

[@loucostabile]

Hi aimee65, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@ralphsmith2683]

you DID BOUGHT ? you really talk like that ?

[@calvinhunt5977]

Must have been a real sleeper in its day. Thanks Lou!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Calvin Hunt, Good point :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou

[@edb.3313]

As always Lou, another treasure find. Futura turbo!!🤙🤙

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ed B., Like to bring something to the Channel you don't see to often. This one works :-) Lou

[@shawnbeck2303]

Hey, Lou! I had a co-worker who bought a 1980 mustang with a turbo engine. We wouldn't believe him he had a turbo Mustang. After work a few of us went to check this turbo Mustang out. Sure enough he had one brand new one. If you would of asked anyone of us. If there was a turbo mustang. No one would have believe it till we seen it oursleves. Sure later on the SVO turbo 2.3 4 cylinder came out. What a great car it was too. But in 1980 they didn't make very many. Only saw one turbo Futura back then in a grocery parking lot. Shawn.

[@loucostabile]

Hey Shawn!. Sound like your co-worker had a unique car for sure. Thank you for sharing your story, Lou

[@davidhibbs6989]

It's strange that I actually remember these when they were brand new. And can remember the full page car ads that ran the same time period and this was the exact same color combinations that were used. Was a 2.3-120hp which was actually pretty good for the era. This one looks slightly modified which is probably better for today's driving conditions.. this one looked brand new. I'm impressed 👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, Happy to read this is a car you remember :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@mdmarko]

Owned three Fairmonts. First was a 1979 2-door sedan, bought new. Great car. Never a problem, started even on the coldest winter days. Next was a 1983 Futura coupe, also bought new. Very good car. Also bought an older Fairmont used. Just wish I could have kept the 1979 Fairmont.

[@loucostabile]

Hi mdmarko, Happy to read about your 1st hand knowledge with cars like this one. Glad this video brings back memories of yours :-) Lou

[@HappyHands.]

I do remember seeing this model. I'm glad they found one

[@loucostabile]

Hi Happy Hands, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Lou

[@dkreuzen]

I purchased one new in 1980. Turbo, Metallic Red with red interior. At the time I knew it was going to be a rare car and I planned to keep it a long time. I really liked the car but had to sell it a year later.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dennis K, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@joethebar1]

I had an 80 fairmont in white with the 200 CID six banger. Bulletproof motor but leaked oil. Always loved the styling of these . Not many left

[@loucostabile]

Hi joethebar1, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@SchnelleKat]

What a gem! Great find Lou, I love those 70 & 80s 4-6 Cyl Engines

[@loucostabile]

Hi Kyle H, Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of this car :-) Lou

[@joemartin7251]

That was WAY-COOL, man! Loved it!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "Loved it!"

[@garypiont6114]

X rated seats. Thanks Lou. Made my beaters handsome

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome Gary :-)

[@garypiont6114]

@@loucostabile love this vid , wild and crazy guys

[@wickedpony4633]

Lou, another of your fantastic and interesting finds. Great video. Thanks.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Wicked Pony, Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, the encouragement, and you're welcome, Lou

[@adamtereska8734]

That is a beautiful car. Same body style as my 1977 Thunderbird I am redoing. Hope to have my Thunderbird done for next year. The last Fairmont I saw had a Cobra Mustang powertrain in it that he would drive his family in. He took it to the Maple Grove Raceway with it. Made one pass and tech officials threw him out for no roll cage. Ran 10.14 at 163 mph. Too fast without a cage. And this was the family grocery getter 4 door.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Adam Tereska, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Hope your Thunderbird comes out the way you'll like, Lou

[@martentrudeau6948]

What a sleeper, I didn't even know these existed. Fantastic car, it has the guts of a hot Turbo Mustang in a Fairmont Futura body.

[@loucostabile]

HI Marten, Happy to read you learned about this car. I learn so much from the Care Takers of the cars on this KZbin Channel and I find that to be wonderful fun :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@billyfoster3223]

Lou, I had a 83 Futura coupe in late 80's! Silver with red interior and 200 did straight six!😄

[@loucostabile]

Hi Billy, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@joebarber4030]

Have owned a couple of futura fairmonts ,nice fox body car. Never owned a turbo model looked at a few to buy but never pulled the trigger always wanted the V8 model.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joe, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@keithjackson286]

Like everyone else here, NEVER knew these existed. I'm not really surprised tho... It's like the Thunderbird Turbo before the 1983 Thunderbird. Pretty Awesome, Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Keith Jackson, Happy to read you enjoy learning about this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@gene978]

I never knew they made this car. I bought a ‘83 Black Futura with auto a/c and the dash was completely different and the steering wheel was very basic. But the car was so solid and dependable and good looking as a 3 year old car that I got for a friend of mine. This one here is loaded to the top. Everything except the Sun Roof. That AMP for the radio really makes the sound POP I had it in my crown Vic and it was like night and day when you pull it out. I will probably never see another Futura Turbo in this condition. Thanks Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Hi gene978, Happy to read you learned something on this episode :-) Glad to read this car brings back memories of your 83 Futura. You're welcome, Lou

[@KevRalph]

this car design has aged well. I used to have the 1980 Fox body Mercury capri.

[@loucostabile]

Hi kevralph, Happy to read you appreciate the design of this car :-) Glad to read you had a nice Fox body Mercury too. Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

i only ever saw that car in auto guides and magazine, never saw one on tv or real life

[@loucostabile]

Happy to share this unique ride with you :-)

[@elizabethcherry920]

Occasionally I see the Fairmont with the 302 V8, but I don't remember the last time I ever seen a turbo version, very nice. The coolest thing about this car is that everything mechanical on a 79 to I think 93? fox body Mustang will fit on this Fairmont, basically both has the same chassis. On top of that the 2.3L 4cyl can be tuned to have 300hp plus, the Competition pkg Mustang SVO I think the one I seen had the same 2.3L turbo 4cyl, but it had 450hp, that engine with the 93 Cobra R rear 9in and independent suspension would make this Fairmont one hell of a street car. Great video

[@loucostabile]

Hi Elizabeth Cherry, Happy to read you enjoy this video :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@kevinwong6588]

SN95 is also part of the Fox family, so '94-04 will fit as well.

[@armedinbama]

That's a real honey! Good to see it in the hands of one who understands what it is and is taking good care of it!

[@loucostabile]

Hi armedinbama, Happy to read you enjoy this "honey" :-) Lou

[@therealmanos]

I've always liked the Fairmont. I think it's a pretty underrated car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi therealmanos , Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@gregfoster4541]

Great find Lou, have seen many Fairmonts but never heard of the turbo, thanks so much for sharing and love the colors as always"Howdy from Texas 😁!!"

[@loucostabile]

Hi Greg from TX, Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of this car :-) Lou

[@dave1956]

It’s a sad day when something like this is considered a “classic” to someone in my generation.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dave, Well it happens :-) Lou

[@midnightgambler3718]

These were basically Fox body Mustangs under the skin, and, most were used abused and scrapped within 10-12 years. The turbo Futura edition is pretty rare. But what many don't know, they made a P/U truck too, called the Durango. We called it the "Duran go" after the band Duran Duran....lol....I "think" most were 6 cylinders or the wheeziest 302 V8 ever made, but, rare, AND good looking! Find one of those Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Midnight Gambler, Appreciate you enjoy the rarity of finding one like this today :-) Since it's "My Car Story" rarely does a pickup truck so up.....however once in a great while there is a pickup that's too cool not to share, and we'll see if some pop up on the Channel. Stay tuned :-) Lou

[@midnightgambler3718]

@@loucostabile It's as much of a truck as an El Camino/Ranchero are, and too cool

[@loucostabile]

You're going to enjoy the one coming up tomorrow :-)

[@midnightgambler3718]

@@loucostabile Looking fwd to it :-)

[@dustinlovessarataschwer1491]

Just like everybody else I had no idea I've seen the turbo Mustangs but wow talk about a sleeper very cool that makes my day

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dustin Taschwer, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou

[@johnkendall6962]

I remember the Fairmont fondly When I met my wife she had one We often went on dates with it. Of course it wasn't the turbo 4. Her's was the inline 200 6 cylinder, good car , dependable and smooth riding. Wish they still made simple cars like that . We have been married for 32 years and still talk about that car at times.

[@loucostabile]

Hi john kendall, Wonderful story :-) Let me know what she things of this video? Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@mp-lh4um]

Too cool! It's good to see that this one was saved and is enjoyed Thanks for showing us!

[@loucostabile]

Hi m p, Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@bdogjr7779]

Awesome Lou《☆》Hands down best Fairmont I've ever seen & the 4cyl idle is very V8ish🤓☻🤠

[@loucostabile]

Hi BDOG JR. High praise on the looks and condition of this Fairmont :-) "4cyl idle is very V8ish" I like that ! Lou

[@NON_BIDENary]

I remember seeing NYPD having fairmonts as cop cars I think they had a 302 or 351 I NEVER even heard of a turbo 4cyl fairmont Just curious these weren’t the same engines in the early 80s turbo t birds were they gotta admit it had a pretty nice growl in the exhaust!! Wonder how much boost u can run the turbo at!! NICE FIND SIR

[@loucostabile]

Hi PopsAndAlly, Happy to read this one brings back memories of the NYPD Police cars. Not sure if these were the T Bird turbo's too, however I'm hopeful a Viewer can share knowledge, Lou

[@LynxStarAuto]

Yep same engine in the SVO mustang, thunderbirds, and Merker XR4

[@clarkgriswold5903]

What a great looking Fairmont. My first brand new car was an 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with the same engine setup but it had a 5 speed, it was a hell of a car in it's day!

[@loucostabile]

HI Clark Griswold, High praise for this car :-) Glad this one brings back memories of your 84 T Bird Turbo, Lou

[@tiberius1701]

Wheels are 16” TRX clones as TRX tires are pretty much unobtanium. Original Fairmont Turbos were 2 Barrel carbed draw through design. Nice looking update to a really rare ride!

[@loucostabile]

Hi tiberius1701, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@72dodge340]

I never knew this car existed. Another gold star day from Lou -- I learned something new. Thanks for sharing your beautiful car Eric and Erica!

[@loucostabile]

Hi 72dodge340, High praise for this episode :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@stanleysteemr1316]

Caught my eye today. I worked at Ford Dealership from 1980-87. Only got to see 2 of those cars. The Regional Ford reps drove up in the exotic, ultra-model examples for any given year.

[@loucostabile]

Hi stanley steemr, Thank you for viewing and sharing the rarity of this car :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@linda2dinda]

Nice! I have one in my backyard. White with Red stripes. Maybe it's time to dust it off and make it go.

[@loucostabile]

Nice ! LET'S GO !

[@douglasholloran6513]

did not expect to see a fairmont again

[@loucostabile]

Hi Douglas Holloran, You're right, you rarely see them now. Lou

[@johnireland6301]

Nice example of a rare ford car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Happy to read you appreciate the rarity of seeing this car today :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tippey2011]

I remember these cars very well my dad looked at them before buying his 1980 Plymouth Volare instead. I knew they had a turbo version but never saw one except in their brochure. Very nice unrestored old Fairmont. Thanks for sharing Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve Flad, Happy to read this one reminds you of the one Dad almost bought :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@josephromano6825]

Your right Lou it’s a unique car. Never saw a turbo version. Nice car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joseph, Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of this car :-) Lou

[@markj2838]

Another unicorn Lou.. never knew this one existed... cool car for sure..

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mark J, Happy to share this car with you. I'm learning all the time and I find that as so much fun :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@rickythompson2374]

Those futuras were tough.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ricky, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou

[@mr.thickey1820]

I used to have a 1979 Ford 4dr with a straight 6cyl & auto trans.It was in a very beautiful light blue with matching interior. Like this car, although not nearly as "sporty", the styling was beautifully clean & simple from any angle! Great vision all around too! Lots of room. Unfortunately the quality of assembly was not the greatest! Wish today's cars were as nicely styled as these cars were! "Ach du lieber, mein schatz"! "Gesundheit"!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mr. Thickey, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1979 Ford 4 door, Lou

[@danchitwood6783]

LOVE IT! I thought my Fairmont futura 2door post was cool cuz it had a 4 speed but that takes the cake.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dan no, Happy to read you "LOVE IT!" :-) Lou

[@slyane7320]

I have a 79 Fairmont Futura V8 ,302,ac,auto C4 ,& it weighs under 3000lbs...I'm in the process of a total restomod rebuild...I'm divided on either a 331 stroker(302),or dropping a Coyote 5.0 in it...either way I'll be under 3k & be a killer sleeper...lol Thoughts on the motor below in the comments please.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

This is nicer interior than my 78 Futura. I never thought I would get nostalgic over a Fairmont. I was glad to have moved on from my 78 at the time. But now I remember some of the interesting things these cars had. The turbo four in this car is interesting, but if I were to buy another Fairmont today, it would probably be a 79 with the Six, and 4 speed overdrive.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Happy to read you have memories from this video :-) Lou

[@larryhawkins3294]

Lou, I vaguely remember the 2.3 liter turbo option for the Fairmont. This car is loaded too. I noticed the cruise control and the premium audio option with fm stereo and cassette. I do remember that Fairmonts were available with numerous power comfort and convenience options back then. This is a rare find Lou thanks for revising the memory.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Larry Hawkins, Glad to read you appreciate the rarity of this find. Happy this one brings back memories :-) Lou

[@plymouthduster2252]

Never knew that a turbocharged Ford Fairmont was built. Great video love your channel

[@loucostabile]

Hi PlymouthDuster 225, Happy to read your comment. I'm learning from the Care Takers of the cars on this KZbin Channel all the time, and I think that is so much fun :-) Appreciate the kind words and encouragement about this Channel, Lou

[@michaelnotigan7796]

The same 2.3 Turbo engine found in the 79 and 80 Mustang Cobra and Mustang Turbo, made it to the Fairmont as well. This motor was a carburated engine and it allegedly had its issues with the rudimentary engine controls of that time. In that same time frame, I took my 1980 Mustang 2.3 and swapped in a used 2.3 Turbo 4 and the 4 speed transmission that was applicable to this motor. Never had a problem with it. I used an aftermarket spark retard control in place of the Ford engine control wired into the engine compartment harness. Oh, and Edelbrock Water Injection. This engine was cancelled by Ford in 1981, but made it's return in 83 in both the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and the Mustang Turbo GT. EFI and Ford's great EEC-IV engine control system made this new revision miles better then the 79-80 engine. This is what the owner of this fine, fine car has. In 84, Fords SVO Mustang upped the game with intercooling and the later transferred that motor into the last model year (or two) of the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. Earlier TBird Turbos had the non-intercooled engine. TLDR version: Ford in these days under Donald Peterson and the SVO division were making great cars with an Euro flair. I always considered this as Peak Ford. This Fairmont is an absolute beauty. Thanks for sharing it with us, Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@michaelnotigan7796]

@@loucostabile Hi Lou! Subscribed and a loyal viewer. Keep up the fine work bringing the most interesting cars ever built, on your channel!!

[@jimmycline4778]

My first car was a 1980 2 door 4 banger, light yellow ford fairmont! This would have been a dream car! My 4 cylinder blew up, I bought a LTD for 100 dollars with a 400! I was going to put the 400 in my fairmont, but it also blew up! I left the LTD on the side of the road, I never had the car in my name yet, I don’t know. What ever happened to that LTD! I had steel wheels, no hub caps, with white letter cooper cobras! I still love those tires, one of my new cars is a Chevy Cruze, the first thing I did was put new cooper cobras white letter tires on it!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jimmy Cline, Happy to read this car / video brings back memories of your 1980 2 Door :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing the details of your car, Lou

[@RubOneOutRosie]

love the steering wheel wrap.

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@drippinglass]

Cool find Lou! I remember very well when these came out... Chevrolet offered a Turbo Monte Carlo that year also. As a kid, it was bad times for a car enthusiast... all the big blocks were gone, the last being the ‘79 T/A 6.6 I agree with you... looking back now, it’s a neat looking car. And things got better with computer control and fuel injection.

[@loucostabile]

Hi drippingglass, Happy to read you enjoy the uniqueness of this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@maryrafuse2297]

My brother had the 1979 version of this car with the 302 V8. I do not know what the people on the assembly line did to this car. It was Hot, Hot Hot! My brother timed it using highway on ramps. We have never experienced any car like it, and we have known some hot cars. We always wondered if the Ford assembly line workers were having some fun building this car trying to annoy the executives in the corporation.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mary Rafuse, Happy to read this video brings back memories of your Brothers Hot Hot Hot car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@Dwayne7834]

Great little car. I have only seen one other than this one. Thanks for sharing

[@loucostabile]

Hi Fire9986 7834 , Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Thank you for viewing, commenting, and you're welcome, Lou

[@frankfrizzo183]

Wow ........the original radio.......and amp..........i want one...........

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dan, Hope you're behind the wheel of yours soon, Lou

[@jasonmaiden5026]

Great looking car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jason Maiden, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou

[@scottyjones27]

Fine machine!! That paint finish was slick! I seen one turbo Capri with a 2.3 engine was it ? And was abt that year model! And it had those same wheels! My cuz had Fairmont in high school but it had inline 6!! Best I remember it was really fun to drive car!! That is truly rare set up from the Ford tough factory!! I know a man's love for his machine!! Long live fossil fuels!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Scotty Jones, Happy to read you enjoy this car. Glad to read this one brings back memories of your Cousin's Fairmont in High School :-) Lou

[@disgustedvet]

Learn something everyday.

[@loucostabile]

Hi disgustedvet, Happy to read your comment. I'm learning from the Care Takers of the cars on this KZbin Channel all the time, and I think that is so much fun :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@markanthony653]

Lou,,,,, I sold those things back in 1980 Jack Keller Ford Grand Rapids Michigan in I've never seen one before it was the first year they changed the Thunderbird body style I'll never forget it,,,,,,, beautiful car nice color combination God you get a holy moly on this one!!!..,The End.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mark Anthony, High praise for this car :-) Glad to read this one brings back memories of the sales days for you, Lou

[@VintageVaughnVehiclces]

This car definitely needs mirror window tint and a bumper tuck. A set of h4h1 hella halogen headlamps. And some LED interior light bulbs, probably a few other odd things could make it truly special.

[@loucostabile]

Hi thunderstorms06, Thanks for sharing what you'd like to do. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@victortromp9814]

Nice to see this car great great , I'am Victor Tromp from Aruba and i have a same Ford Fairmont but the engine is 6 cil. inline. I'am look of some one now where i can buy parts for this car on the internet. Saludos from Aruba.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Victor from Aruba, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Glad to read you have one like it too. Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@galiffrey1]

Awesome rare find. Lou should be at 1 million subscribers!

[@loucostabile]

Hi galiffrey, Happy to read you enjoy the uniqueness of this find :-) I receive your Prophetic comment on the Subscribers, and appreciate your kind words. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@seed_drill7135]

That's a sharp looking body style. My dad drove a Mercury Zephyr version of this (no turbo) from NC to Hershey for a friend who'd sold it and needed to get it to the purchaser. Edit: And the ac quit on him en route.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Seed_drill, Happy to read this video brings back memories of your Dad's Zepher :-) Lou

[@bradpittiful7288]

pretty cool! how many ideas did car makers have on paper that never saw more than just paper...pretty cool this one made it to production

[@loucostabile]

Hi Brad Pittiful, Happy to read you think this car is "pretty cool" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@bigdogone916]

It's amazing that there is no rust! Most of the cars from this era rusted out after five or six years!

[@loucostabile]

Hi bigdog one, Agreed, an amazing car.

[@raulsv4194]

I'll have to mop the floor, because the drooling was incessant. What a gorgeous piece of american automotive history.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this car :-)

[@331Grabber]

The injected 2.3 makes it perfect

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@slyane7320]

Eric, I have a 79 Fairmont Future V8 & that same Shelby shirt! Great minds...lol

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@consterned]

My mom had one, but she only kept it about a year... I drove it some, it was always in passing gear... wish I had it still

[@loucostabile]

Hi Edward Gagnon , Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Mom's car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@petemedina8446]

That's an interesting car first time seeing a Fairmont Futura with a turbo didn't they made them. It's a clean car nice interior cool color too.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Pete Medina, Happy to read you find this unique car interesting :-) Lou

[@markchapmon8670]

TRX wheels were an option on the redesigned 1979 Mustang. Didn't know they even offered them on the Fairmont. I tried to order a Fairmont Turbo through AAFES when I came back from Korea in Jan 1981, but it was not available by then. I didn't know they actually made any. Great find and a very good looking, clean car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mark Chapmon, Happy to read your story about a car like this, and glad to read you enjoy this episode, Lou

[@terrym5023]

Never in a zillion years I would look at a Fairmont and say "cool car" 😳

[@loucostabile]

Hi X K, Sooo are you now thinking this one is cool or are we still waiting? Lou

[@terrym5023]

@@loucostabile Absolutely IS a cool car! Rather than thinking out of the box, you always drive out of the box😆

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-) Cars have an amazing way of looking better with age.

[@Domingocruzramos]

Beautiful unique car

[@loucostabile]

Hi Domingocruzramos, Happy to read you enjoy the looks and uniqueness of this car :-) Lou

[@garywood9525]

The production numbers seem to be just over 1200 , but the Durago/ Fairmont version is rare because is was FORD's idea to replace the large Ranchero from 1979 that was based on the LTD and Tbird frame. Durango was expected to see 200 a month in 1980, but by 1982 there were only about 130 in total. The 2.3 Durango was the only engine with a 4 spd manual while 200 CID and 302 V8 were automatics.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gary wood, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@BsUJeTs]

My sister owned a 1978 Lincoln Zepher. The sister/brother of the futura. It looked identical to this one except for the headlights and tail lights. Unfortunately the car was a lemon. I remember that the car had a major recall because the transmission use to jump into drive from the neutral position. She had a six cylinder engine. This car looks sweet however.

[@loucostabile]

Hi D R, Happy to read this one brings back memories of your Sisters car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@rogercamp6071]

Same wheels as used on the Mustang Cobra that year.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@JT-un7dc]

Wow, cars really do look better with age. Feel like I've been transported back in time. saw one of these in a junk yard many years ago. I wasn't sure if it was a factory car or not. Really like the paint scheme on this one. I had a 79 mustang lx it also had a cool stripes painted on the car from Ford and the exact same interior. I'd be nervous on those old trx tires.

[@loucostabile]

Hi J T, Happy to receive a "Wow" from you and glad to read you appreciate this car :-) Lou

[@rickloera9468]

Saw one at Pick A Part a few years ago. Actually two Futuras. A tale of two Futuras. Neither was a turbo model, but the one that really stood out was the one that was Medium Red Metallic (Glamour Paint). This car was in showroom condition. It had been t boned. Because of the age the insurance company totaled it. This Futura looked liked it was detailed prior to the accident. The paint had a nice coat of wax making it super shiny and smooth. The interior was in impeccable condition. Sad to see a car last thirty years and one mishap ends badly for the car. As far as the other Futura. It was driven hard and put away wet. The difference is the junky one wasn't there because of an accident, but age and mistreatment. Sad.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rick Loera, Thank you for viewing and sharing the memories of the Futuras you remember, Lou

[@smacdiesel]

Very nice, so rare!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate this car :-)

[@chuckhaugan4970]

All I remember about these cars where Ford rushed them to market (Just like GM did with the Chevette and Chrysler did with the K cars.) I remember all three varieties littering the side of the interstate as they'd just stop running, blow up, or whatever. I'm sure the aftermarket replacement parts made today, are way more reliable than what came on the car new! It is really, really, cool to see one so well maintained, by somebody who recognizes, turbo or non, it's a slice of somebodies life..... Like, I'd love to see an old Olds stationwagon…… with the backward seat..... Just say'n Lou....

[@loucostabile]

Hi Chuck Haugan, Happy to read you enjoy seeing this well maintained car :-) I'll keep a look out to for a right Olds Wagon, so stay tuned, Lou

[@spdskte]

remember my 79 mustang turbo had the same dual pipe exhaust tip.

[@loucostabile]

Hi spdskte, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@markanthony653]

Okay put the icing on the cake I even made the bumpers at Reynolds Aluminum in Wyoming Michigan I used to grind the corners all day long for 12 hours made more money doing that than in the car business. Needless to say I was not a good closer..

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this car reminds you of a profitable time :-)

[@staywhite6332]

Turbo Fords are my fav. 😍😍

[@loucostabile]

Winner :-)

[@scottbenauer1189]

My parents had one just like it same colors also I took my drivers test in it. The wheels on my parents were different.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Scott Benauer, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the car you took your drivers test in :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jonlennon3348]

This car reminds me of the factory light weight turbo 4 banger that screamed down the track. They were fairly quick for such a small engine. Ford brought the light weight T-Bird that was winning a fair amount of race's including up against 427 galaxie's. I was very surprised. Shortly after special vehicle operations went full bore at Ford.

[@loucostabile]

Hi jon lennon, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@pattyjay9999]

Sweet!👍🏾

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "Sweet!" :-)