1978 Ford LTD

Ford raised the bar for the American-built full-size, mass-produced cars in August of 1964 with the introduction of the Galaxie 500 LTD, offering power amenities, luxurious appointments, and upscale trim normally associated with much costlier, top-of-the-line luxury vehicles. During its production lifespan, it offered Lincoln-style luxury and size at a more affordable, family-friendly price. Initially part of the Galaxie line, the LTD became its own nameplate by 1966 and would remain the largest vehicle production by Ford in North America throughout most of its lifespan, lasting through 1986 (from 1983 to 1986 as a mid-size model) when it was replaced by the front-drive Taurus.

The abbreviation of 'LTD' has been speculated to represent 'Luxury Trim Decor' or 'Lincoln Type Design,' however, neither were used in brochures or advertising copy of North American sales literature.

The 1978 Ford LTD was the final year for the 'second generation of styling that had been introduced in 1969. Although the chassis was similar to the previous 'first generation' platform, it had been stretched from 119- to 121-inches. Styling elements included the formal roofline and hidden headlights which had been in use since 1967, along with a new split grille with a horizontal center divider that lasted a single year. For 1970, the LTD was given a three-segment grille with a prominent center section. Horizontal taillights replaced the previous twin round or square 'jet exhaust' taillights on all full-size Fords in 1971. That same year, the hidden headlights were replaced by a tall center grille section with the name 'LTD' spelled out in block letters on the hood. The convertible body style of the discontinued XL series was moved to the LTD line. The trunklid was squared off for 1972 and the taillights were integrated into the new rear bumper. 1972 was the final year for the convertible on the LTD.

Along with other U.S.-based models, the LTD was given 5-mph front bumpers in 1973 and larger rear bumpers the following year. The four-door body styles had thin B-pillars for roof reinforcement and were branded as 'pillared hardtops.' The 460 cubic-inch V8 engine became optional for the first time in 1974, and four-wheel disc brakes and an 8-track were optional beginning in 1976. That was the final year of the LTD Brougham trim level and for 1977 the LTD Landau was given the former Brougham interior.

The 1978 Ford LTD
In its final year of the 'second generation of styling, the LTD remained mostly unchanged, gaining a new front bumper spoiler, rear floorpan air deflector, and new body colors. Over seventy new two-tone body colors were offered on the LTD Landau, and the station wagons could have optional removable auxiliary cushions for the dual-facing rear seats.

The 351 cubic-inch (351M) V8 engine had overhead valves, an 8.0:1 compression ratio, and delivered 144 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The 400 CID V8 had 8.0:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a two-barrel carburetor, and produced 166 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 319 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM. With a four-barrel carburetor, output rose to 202 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 348 lb-ft at 2000 RPM. A SelectShift three-speed automatic was standard with either a 2.75:1 or 2.47:1 gear ratio.

The LTD Landau was offered as a two- and four-door Pillarless Hardtop with the former priced at $5,900 and $5,975 for the latter. The four-door was more popular with 39,836 sales compared to the 27,305 of the two-door.

The Custom 500 was the fleet model and sold in Canada as a two-door pillared hardtop, a four-door pillared hardtop, and a Ranch Wagon. 3,044 examples were the four-door, 1,359 had two-doors, and 1,196 were the Ranch wagon.

The LTD two-door Pillared Hardtop was priced at $5,335 and 57,466 examples were built. The four-door version was priced at $5,410 and 112,392 units were built. A combined 71,285 examples were built of the six-passenger station wagon ($5,800) and the Country Squire ($6,200).

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2022