1974 Ford LTD

The full-size Ford LTD was the top trim level in 1974. Having been introduced in August of 1964, Ford's Galaxie 500 LTD was a mass-produced full-size car with upscale trim, luxurious appointments, and power amenities. It offered upscale luxury at a family-friendly price. Production of the LTD would continue through several evolutions and its name would grace various Ford models until the front-drive Taurus in 1986.

The 1974 LTD had cushioned low-back bench seats, deluxe two-spoke steering wheel, electric clock, and aluminum trim for the rear hood edge. Chrome was used for the windshield and rear window moldings, and on the foot pedals. Other amenities included an ignition key warning buzzer, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and carpeting. Body styles included a sedan, hardtop sedan, hardtop coupe, and Country Squire Station Wagon. For buyer's seeking more, Ford offered the LTD Brougham which included all the amenities of the LTD and added highback Flight-bench seats with center armrests. There were courtesy lights on the front door, ashtrays, full wheel covers, polished rocker panel moldings, and a vinyl roof. The two-door body styles had automatic seat-back release. Brougham body styles included a sedan, 4-door hardtop sedan, and a 2-door hardtop coupe.

LTD and LTD Brougham production accounted for nearly 14% of Ford's overall production, with over 302,600 examples built in 1974. Power was from an overhead valve 400 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 170 net horsepower.

The most popular 1974 LTD body styles were the sedan hardtop coupe, sedan, and country squire station wagon. A total of 73,296 examples of the hardtop coupe, 72,251 of the sedan, and 64,047 of the station wagon were built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019