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 Dan Vaughan

The full-size LTD nameplate was part of the Ford lineup from 1964 to 1991. The LTD designation is thought by some as an abbreviation of 'Luxury Trim Decor' and by others as limited trim designation for the Ford Galaxie. It made its debut as the highest trim level on the 1965 full-size Ford range under the name Galaxie 500 LTD and became its own series in 1965. This 'affordable luxury' vehicle represented a large cultural shift that would influence design for many years to come. Even though it was 'affordable', it was not cheap, selling for an extra 20% above the price of the Galaxie 500.

The 1964 Galaxie LTD upscale models were fitted with options such as power windows, power driver's seat, power brakes, power steering, and air conditioning. Other upgrades included more powerful engines, better materials, and different upholstery in a softly-textured synthetic fabric. A period ad by Ford even stated that 'Ford rides quieter than Rolls-Royce.' 'Lots of people find it hard to believe. But it's a fact-in tests by a leading acoustical firm, a 1965 Ford LTD with a 289-cu. in. V-8 and Cruise-O-Matic rode quieter than a Rolls-Royce. This quiet does not mead Ford is a Rolls-Royce. But it does mean Ford is strong, solidly built, designed to give you luxury, comfort and convenience. Underneath that trim, functional body, it's all muscle. If you doubt Ford is everything we say it is, take a test drive and listen....listen hard!'

When the LTD became its own series, it was offered as a sedan, hardtop sedan, and a hardtop coupe. It was equipped with all the items found in the Galaxie 500 plus the 289 CID/200 HP V8 engine and SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The LTD came with a flow-through ventilation system, automatic courtesy and warning lights in the doors, plush cushioning in the seating surfaces, pull-down armrests in both the front and the rear, and a color-keyed steering wheel. Two-door hardtops had a vinyl top. To help distinguish them from their Galaxie siblings, the LTD received distinctive trim and ornamentation, special wheel covers, and simulated woodgrain on the instrument panel and door panels.

For 1968, the LTD had horizontal hidden headlights and a more formal roofline. It still had the 119-inch wheelbase platform, as seen in prior years, but this would be the final year, as its size grew to 121 inches for 1969. Along with a bigger footprint, the LTD was also given a major redesign. Design changes and modernization continued for the years to come; in 1970, the split grille was discontinued and the LTD received a redesigned front end with a three-segment grille with a prominent center section. The LTDs also received a new Federally-mandated locking steering column and wheel, with the ignition switch located on the right side of the column.

Ford worked on the back of the LTD for 1971, giving them horizontal taillights where the twin round or square 'jet exhaust' taillights used to be. With the discontinuation of the XL series, the LTD received the convertible. They had bucket seats and center consoles.

A major redesign occurred in 1973 in effort to comply with federal regulations. Larger bumpers were added due to the 5-mph bumper rules.

The final year for the 121-inch wheelbase LTD was in 1978 when it was replaced a year later by the Panther-platform generation, which would remain in production until 1982. It had a shortened length from 224.1 inches to 209 inches. GM had led the way by offering a downsized full-size car and it had proven to be enormously successful. Ford was eager to follow suit. Their new Panther platform was completely new from the ground up. Along with losing nearly 15 inches in length, it also shed some 400 pounds of curb weight, while retaining much of its interior room.

In 1983, the LTD was built on the Fox-platform and available in a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles. When introduced, it shared a common engine with the Fairmont and Granada; a 2.3 L Lima 4-cylinder, a 3.3 L Thriftpower Six inline-6, and a 4.9L 5.0L Windsor V8 (upgraded to fuel injection).

by Dan Vaughan