The 1979 Ford Custom, a quintessential American classic, emerged during a pivotal era in automotive history. This full-size sedan embodied the spirit of its time, offering a blend of practicality and style that resonated with drivers seeking both comfort and capability.
Its arrival marked a significant shift in Ford’s design philosophy, showcasing a bold new direction for the brand’s flagship model.
Released amidst a period of economic uncertainty and rising fuel prices, the 1979 Ford Custom faced the challenge of adapting to changing consumer demands. Despite these obstacles, it managed to capture the hearts of many with its spacious interior, reliable performance, and enduring appeal.
This article delves into the fascinating history of this iconic vehicle, exploring its design, features, and lasting legacy.
Introduction
The 1979 Ford Custom was a full-size station wagon that marked the end of an era for Ford’s iconic model. It was the last year of production for the Custom, a nameplate that had been synonymous with spaciousness and practicality for decades.
The 1979 model reflected the changing automotive landscape of the time, facing rising fuel prices and a growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Historical Context
The 1979 Ford Custom was released at a time when the American automotive industry was undergoing a significant transformation. The oil crisis of the 1970s had led to a surge in fuel prices, prompting consumers to seek out more fuel-efficient vehicles.
This shift in demand challenged the dominance of large, gas-guzzling cars like the Ford Custom. While the Custom remained a popular choice for families and businesses, its sales declined as consumers embraced smaller, more efficient alternatives.
Design and Styling
The 1979 Ford Custom, a full-size station wagon, embodied the design trends of its era, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. Its boxy exterior and spacious interior were designed to cater to the needs of large families and those seeking a comfortable and capable vehicle for everyday use.
Exterior Design
The 1979 Ford Custom featured a distinctive exterior design that reflected the automotive trends of the late 1970s. The body style, a classic station wagon configuration, offered ample cargo space and seating for up to nine passengers. The front end of the Custom was characterized by a large, chrome-plated grille with a horizontal bar design, flanked by rectangular headlights.
The taillights were also rectangular and featured a wraparound design, extending onto the rear quarter panels. The overall design was clean and functional, emphasizing practicality and durability over flashy aesthetics.
Interior Design, 1979 Ford Custom
The interior of the 1979 Ford Custom was designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The dashboard was a blend of simple design and practical features. The instrument cluster was easy to read, and the controls were within easy reach.
The 1979 Ford Custom marked a departure from the more luxurious and powerful cars of the past, offering a more practical and fuel-efficient option. While it lacked the iconic styling of its predecessors, such as the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 , the Custom still retained a certain charm and provided a comfortable ride for families.
Despite its smaller size and more modest engine, the 1979 Ford Custom remained a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable vehicle.
The seating was generous, offering ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. Upholstery options ranged from basic cloth to luxurious vinyl, catering to a variety of preferences.
Notable Design Elements
The 1979 Ford Custom, despite its conventional design, featured a few unique elements that set it apart from its contemporaries. One such feature was the optional sliding side doors, which provided easy access to the spacious interior, especially for passengers in the rear seats.
Additionally, the Custom offered a range of power options, including power steering, power brakes, and optional air conditioning, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Engine and Performance
The 1979 Ford Custom was offered with a range of engine options, each catering to different needs and preferences. These engines provided a balance of power and fuel efficiency, reflecting the automotive landscape of the late 1970s.
Engine Options
The 1979 Ford Custom came with a selection of V8 engines:
- 4.9L (302 cu in) V8:This engine produced 139 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was a popular choice for its balance of performance and fuel economy.
- 5.0L (302 cu in) V8:This engine was a more powerful version of the 4.9L, producing 148 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It offered better acceleration and towing capabilities.
- 5.8L (351 cu in) V8:This engine was the most powerful option, delivering 157 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It was well-suited for those seeking a more robust driving experience.
Transmission Options
The 1979 Ford Custom was available with a choice of transmissions:
- 3-speed automatic:This transmission was standard on most models, providing smooth shifting and ease of use.
- 4-speed manual:This transmission was available on some models, offering greater driver control and potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy and Performance
The 1979 Ford Custom’s fuel economy was generally considered average for its size and engine options. The 4.9L V8, with the 3-speed automatic transmission, was estimated to achieve around 15 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway.
The larger 5.8L V8, with the same transmission, delivered slightly lower fuel economy, around 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.While not known for its sporty performance, the 1979 Ford Custom provided a comfortable and reliable ride. The larger V8 engines offered decent acceleration, making it suitable for highway driving and towing.
The 1979 Ford Custom, a classic of the late 70s, exemplified the era’s penchant for boxy styling and fuel efficiency. While the Custom was a far cry from the elegant curves of earlier Ford models like the 1933 Ford Model B , it offered a reliable and practical option for families seeking comfortable transportation.
The Custom’s legacy continues to resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate its distinct character and historical significance in the automotive landscape.
Features and Equipment: 1979 Ford Custom
The 1979 Ford Custom offered a wide range of standard and optional features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety for its passengers. These features catered to a diverse range of needs and preferences, reflecting the car’s position as a versatile and well-equipped vehicle.
Standard Features
The 1979 Ford Custom came standard with a variety of features that provided a comfortable and functional driving experience. These included:
- Vinyl upholstery: This material was durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for everyday use.
- Power steering: This feature made maneuvering the car easier, especially in tight spaces or at low speeds.
- AM radio: This allowed passengers to enjoy music and news while on the road.
- Front disc brakes: This provided improved braking performance and stopping power.
- Safety features: These included a driver’s side airbag, seat belts, and a padded dashboard.
Optional Features
In addition to the standard features, the 1979 Ford Custom offered a wide range of optional equipment that allowed buyers to customize their vehicles to their specific needs and preferences. These options included:
- Air conditioning: This provided a comfortable cabin temperature, especially in hot climates.
- Automatic transmission: This simplified driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- Power windows: This provided convenient and effortless window operation.
- Power locks: This allowed for easy and secure locking and unlocking of the doors.
- Tilt steering wheel: This allowed drivers to adjust the steering wheel to their preferred position for optimal comfort.
- Cruise control: This allowed drivers to maintain a constant speed on the highway, reducing fatigue during long drives.
- Rear window defroster: This helped clear the rear window of ice and fog, improving visibility in cold weather.
- AM/FM radio: This provided access to a wider range of radio stations.
- Vinyl roof: This gave the car a more luxurious appearance.
- Wheel covers: These enhanced the car’s aesthetic appeal.
Trim Levels
The 1979 Ford Custom was available in three trim levels:
- Custom: This was the base trim level and included standard features such as vinyl upholstery, power steering, and AM radio.
- Custom Deluxe: This trim level added features such as air conditioning, automatic transmission, and power windows.
- Custom Landau: This was the top-of-the-line trim level and included features such as a vinyl roof, wheel covers, and a more luxurious interior.
Notable Equipment
The 1979 Ford Custom offered some notable equipment that set it apart from other vehicles in its class. These included:
- The “Custom” nameplate: This signified a level of luxury and refinement that was not typically found in other Ford models at the time.
- The optional “Landau” trim level: This provided a more luxurious and elegant appearance.
- The availability of a wide range of optional features: This allowed buyers to customize their vehicles to their specific needs and preferences.
Production and Sales
The 1979 Ford Custom, despite its classic design and durable build, faced a challenging market environment. The American automotive industry was undergoing a significant transformation, driven by fuel efficiency concerns and the growing popularity of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.
Production Numbers and Sales Figures
The production run of the 1979 Ford Custom was relatively short, with a total of 105,528 units produced. This represented a significant decline from the previous model year, reflecting the changing consumer preferences and the increasing popularity of smaller vehicles.
- The 1979 Ford Custom was offered in various body styles, including the two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and wagon.
- The production figures varied depending on the body style, with the four-door sedan being the most popular variant.
- The 1979 Ford Custom was sold in both the United States and Canada, with the majority of sales concentrated in the American market.
Despite its popularity in the past, the 1979 Ford Custom’s sales figures fell short of expectations, contributing to its eventual discontinuation in 1980.
Legacy and Impact
The 1979 Ford Custom, despite being a transitional model in a turbulent era for the American auto industry, left a lasting mark on both Ford’s history and the automotive landscape. It represented a final hurrah for the classic full-size American sedan, a style that was soon to be eclipsed by smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Cultural Influence and Pop Culture Appearances
The 1979 Ford Custom’s distinctive styling and its association with the late 1970s era made it a popular choice for filmmakers and television producers. It became a symbol of that time, appearing in numerous movies, TV shows, and even music videos.
The car’s large size and imposing presence lent itself well to scenes that required a sense of grandeur or authority.
The 1979 Ford Custom, a full-size car with a boxy design, represented a shift in American automotive trends. While it was a far cry from the sleek lines of the 1929 Ford 2-Dr Coupe , a classic model with its iconic rounded fenders and distinctive grille, both cars share a common lineage: the legacy of Ford’s innovation and influence on American automotive history.
The 1979 Ford Custom was often seen as a symbol of the American dream, particularly during a time when gas prices were soaring and the country was facing economic uncertainty.
Here are some notable appearances of the 1979 Ford Custom in popular culture:
- The Blues Brothers (1980):The iconic 1974 Ford LTD Crown Victoria, used by the Blues Brothers, was a close relative of the 1979 Custom. This movie’s popularity helped solidify the image of large, powerful American cars in the public consciousness.
- The Rockford Files (1974-1980):The Ford LTD, another close relative of the 1979 Custom, was the main vehicle used by private investigator Jim Rockford in this popular television series. The car’s ruggedness and practicality perfectly suited the show’s gritty and realistic portrayal of crime-solving.
- Miami Vice (1984-1989):While not a 1979 Custom, the 1972 Ford LTD Crown Victoria used in this iconic TV show reflected the design language of the 1979 model and further cemented the image of these large sedans as cool and stylish.
Collecting and Restoration
The 1979 Ford Custom, a symbol of American automotive history, has garnered a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts. While not as widely sought-after as its muscle car counterparts, the Custom holds a unique appeal for those who appreciate its classic styling, spacious interior, and robust build quality.
The Current Collector Market
The collector market for the 1979 Ford Custom is steadily growing, with prices reflecting its increasing desirability. The most sought-after models are those in excellent condition, with low mileage and original features. Factors influencing the value include:
- Condition:Pristine examples with original paint, interior, and engine command the highest prices.
- Mileage:Lower mileage vehicles are generally more desirable, as they have experienced less wear and tear.
- Options:Rare or desirable options, such as the optional 460 cubic inch engine or a factory-installed air conditioning system, can increase the value.
- Rarity:Certain color combinations and trim levels are more rare than others, making them more valuable to collectors.
While values vary depending on condition and location, a well-maintained 1979 Ford Custom can fetch prices ranging from several thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000 for rare or exceptional examples.
Restoring a 1979 Ford Custom
Restoring a 1979 Ford Custom can be a rewarding experience, but it also presents unique challenges.
- Parts Availability:While many parts are still readily available, finding original or NOS (new old stock) components can be challenging, especially for less common trim levels or options.
- Rust:Cars from this era were prone to rust, especially in areas like the floor pans, rocker panels, and trunk. Thorough rust repair can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Engine and Transmission:The engines and transmissions used in the 1979 Ford Custom are generally reliable, but they may require rebuilding or replacement after years of use.
- Interior:Finding original or replacement interior components, such as upholstery, door panels, and carpets, can be difficult.
However, the rewards of restoring a 1979 Ford Custom are numerous.
- Sense of Accomplishment:Bringing a classic car back to life is a rewarding experience that offers a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Unique Vehicle:A restored 1979 Ford Custom is a unique and eye-catching vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
- Investment:Well-restored classic cars often appreciate in value over time, making them a potential investment.
Tips and Resources
For those interested in acquiring and maintaining a 1979 Ford Custom, here are some tips and resources:
- Research:Before purchasing, thoroughly research the car’s history, condition, and market value.
- Join Clubs:Joining a Ford Custom or classic car club can provide valuable information, support, and access to parts and resources.
- Online Forums:Online forums dedicated to classic Ford vehicles can offer a wealth of information and advice from fellow enthusiasts.
- Specialized Shops:Seek out specialized shops that specialize in restoring classic Ford vehicles.
With careful planning, research, and dedication, restoring a 1979 Ford Custom can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Ultimate Conclusion
The 1979 Ford Custom remains a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of American automotive design. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless style, practicality, and the lasting impression it made on the automotive landscape. Whether admired for its sleek lines, cherished for its spacious interior, or appreciated for its historical significance, the 1979 Ford Custom continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.