As the first vehicle built off the Ford Fox platform,
the 1978 Ford Fairmont replaced the Ford Maverick. This
platform would serve as the foundation for several other
models such as the Thunderbird, the 1981-82 American
Ford Granada and the 1979-2004 Mustang.
Three body styles were introduced with the release of
the Fairmont--coupe, sedan, and wagon. The 1978 Fairmont
set the record for production of a new model, defeating
the record that was previously held by the 1965 Mustang,
making it quite the rousing success for Ford. The Fairmont
was an efficient combination of passenger room and cargo
space for its size, garnering praise in the automotive
media and drawing comparisions with competing Volvo and
BMW models.
At its introduction, the Fairmont was equipped with
two headlights, though this was later remedied in 1981
where the number was upped to four. A variety of engines
were available, including a 2.3 L four-cylinder, 3.3
L (200 cu in) six, and 255 cu in and 302 cu in V8s. A
turbocharged four-cylinder version was planned for 1980
but never made it to production.
Coming in a range of prototypical colors, these vehicles
will look right at home parked in front of our garage
kits, out on the streets of your layout, or, for layouts
based in late 1977 or 1978, as loads on open auto racks.
These models
are officially licensed by the Ford Motor Company®