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Futuristic Ford Futura fronted the Fairmont family
 A 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura. (www.TOCMP.com) 
You may noth thinlk of the futuristic looking automobile pictured above as ‘antique’. It’s not. And you may not be inclined to call it “collectible”. (But then, “collectible” is defined in the eyes of the beholder, or perhaps more appropriately the owner of the object in question.) Be that as it may, the 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura DOES fall under what state licensing agencies consider “historic” vehicles. The standard for such classification in most, if not all states, is that the vehicle be at least twenty-five model years old. However you care to classify the Ford Fairmont Futura, one thing it does NOT look is ‘old’. With that in mind, I guess you could say the Fairmont “Futura” lived up to Ford’s marketing plan, as the front cover of the Futura sales brochure, suggests that potential buyers “Drive Tomorrow Today”. The car that graces that cover is decked out in black and silver... ‘Trekky’ colors one might expect to see on a space shuttle or space station. The first four inside pages of the brochure carry on the theme with a moon and stars in the background as well as a space-station-like wheel in the foreground. The “Futura” designation was used by Ford to identify the upscale, premium luxury models within the Fairmont series. And, although a modestly priced vehicle, the Futura had a long list of power, comfort, appearance and convenience options. Power for this space ship came in the form of a 2.3 liter, in-line four cylinder engine. It was coupled to a three-speed manual transmission. If warp speeds were your ambition, a turbo-charged version of same was available, plus six and eight cylinder power plants... the latter a 4.2 liter V-8 with a two barrel carburetor. Transmission options included a four speed manual and Ford-O-Matic. If you’re into bargain collectibles, the Futura may be worth looking into. Lackluster interest back in “the day”, plus the fact that they are just not that old at the present time means bargains may be had. The Old Cars Price Guide lists a number one, show quality 1980 Futura Ghia at just a skoche over four grand... slightly less than a Pinto station wagon. (???) Add 12 percent if equipped with that V-8 and your still in the mid fours. The Futura and the Fairmont series in particular, happens to be one of those Rodney Dangerfield sort of cars that just doesn’t get much respect. But take a closer look. Those lines are contemporary, very unique and dare I say somewhat appealing. Equipped with split front seats, a decent list of options and the V-8 (particularly with four on the floor) and you really do have a bargain collectible that just might be your ticket to a whole new galaxy. Upcoming “Don’t Miss” Events: Join the Fin Man this Saturday and get your kicks on Route 66. The Second Annual Route 66 Festival on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is being held from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3. Antique and collectible automobiles and trucks will be displayed on the bridge. I attended the first show last year and it was spectacular. The weather was gorgeous and the event was a big success. Kim Massie and others will be performing live on stage, various vendors will be selling souvenirs and Route 66 related memorobilia and there will be food of all sorts. (Remember those huge turkey legs and Ted Drewes ice cream served last year?!?! Uh-huh... that’s what I’m talkin’ about.) Old cars, trucks and motorcycles; a food and beer garden; activities on both sides of the river; a drive off parade; Ted Drewes and blues? What more can I say– except for more information contact www.confluencegreenway.org.
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