1969 Ford LTD

As Ford closed out the 1960s, they made significant changes to their model lineup and introduced all-new styling to its full-size automobiles. They were big and luxurious with rounder body lines than the previous model year and prices that accommodated a variety of budgets. The Custom was the 'entry-level' full-size Ford and could be purchased with either six- or eight-cylinder power. Body styles included a two- and four-door sedan and a four-door Ranch Wagon. The Custom 500 was a higher trim version of the Custom, adding a choice of four different upholstery options and additional exterior trim. Six- and eight-cylinder engine options were available, and the list of body styles mirrored the Custom plus added a 10-passenger version of the Ranch Wagon. The popularity of the Custom 500 outpaced the Custom, with 81,341 examples of the former compared to 78,581 of the latter.

Moving up the line, buyers were greeted with the Galaxie 500 - the 'intermediate' full-size model for 1969. The standard engine was a six-cylinder unit with a host of eight-cylinder engines available for a cost. The list of body styles was extensive and included a sedan, fastback coupe, formaltop coupe, hardtop sedan, convertible, and a Country Sedan (with 6- or 10-passenger seating). Distinguishable styling features of the Galaxie 500 included stamped aluminum lower bodyside moldings. The interior gained pleated trim.

The Galaxie 500XL was the sporty version of the Galaxie 500 and offered as a 'Sportsroof' (two-door fastback coupe) and a convertible. Along with the features bestowed upon the Galaxie 500, the 500XL added a pleated, all-vinyl interior, bucket seats, five vertical 'hash marks (forward portion of the front fenders), retractable headlights, wheel covers, and die-cast grille.

The top-of-the-line 'full size' Ford for 1969 was also the most popular - the LTD. Its 417,677 examples built in 1969 were significantly higher than the second most popular 1969 full-size model - the Galaxie 500 - which had 359,238 examples built. Its styling was unique, with its own front-end treatment, dual accent paint stripes, and bright exterior moldings. It came standard with a 302 cubic-inch, 220 horsepower V8 engine paired with a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. Interior accouterments included an electric clock. Body styles included a formal top coupe, sedan, hardtop sedan, and Country Squire. The hardtop sedan was the most popular with 113,168 examples built, followed by 111,565 of the formaltop coupe and 63,709 of the sedan. The 10-passenger version of the Country Squire was more popular than the 6-passenger version, with 82,790 of the former and 46,445 of the latter.

The 302 CID V8 engine had a cast iron block, overhead valves, five main bearings, a Motorcraft two-barrel carburetor, 9.5:1 compression, and produced 220 horsepower at 4,600 RPM.

The 390 cubic-inch V8 was a $58 option and boosted output to 265 hp. It had overhead valves, a cast iron block, five main bearings, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and 10.5:1 compression.

The 429 CID V8 with 320 horsepower was $163, and the 429 CID V8 with 360 hp was $237. Power front disc brakes were a $65 option, a Cruise-O-Matic automatic was $222, and power steering was $100.

1969 Full-Size Fords
Models:
Custom
- $2,630 to $3,075 (six-cylinder)
- $2,730 to $3,180 (V8)
-78,581 examples produced.

Custom 500
- $2,730 to $3,250 (six cyl.)
- $2,840 to $3,560 (V8)
- 81,341 examples produced.

Galaxie 500
- $2,900 to $3,375 (six cyl.)
- $3,000 to $3,490 (V8)
- 359,238 examples produced.

Galaxie 500XL
- $3,160 fastback coupe
- $3,385 convertible
- 54,557 fastback coupe; 7,402 convertibles; total production: 61,959

LTD
-$3,200 to $3,720
- 417,677 examples produced

Dimensions
The full-size 1969 Ford models rested on a 121-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 213.9 inches (216.9 inches for the station wagons). For comparison, the Fairlane had a 116-inch wheelbase, the Falcon had a 110.9-inch wheelbase, and the Maverick rested on a 103-inch platform. The four-door Landau Thunderbird had a 117-inch wheelbase, and the other two body styles (both two doors) rested on a 115-inch wheelbase.

The Ford LTD
The Ford LTD was produced from 1965 to 1986; from 1965 to 1982 it was a full size automobile; for the remainder of its production, it was a mid-size automobile.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2024