10k Miles? 1976 Ford LTD

For buyers who still believed bigger was better in the mid-seventies, Ford delivered with the LTD.  It was not only the largest car in the brand’s lineup, but it also offered a high level of luxury and comfort for the period.  This was also a time when manufacturers still emphasized including a 2-door model in the lineup for many passenger cars, and this 1976 Ford LTD here on Craigslist looks almost as fresh as it did half a century ago.  The seller reports the 10,200 miles are real, and based on its condition, that is certainly possible.  It’s located in Rochester, New York, and priced at $10,500.  Reader Tony Primo found this cool land yacht and brought it to our attention, so we’d like to thank him for the tip here!

I haven’t seen many LTDs with mag wheels added, but I also haven’t noticed many on the roads recently, and this one seems like it has the potential to turn heads wherever it goes.  While they don’t have the Cragar logo on their center caps, several other manufacturers also offered 5-spoke chrome wheels, and they look surprisingly at home here.  The exterior appears nicely preserved all around, with the white paint and red vinyl Landau roof showing little wear.  This one’s also claimed to be rust-free and described as in showroom condition, and after looking at the photos, I think the owner may be on the right track here.

Equally impressive is the interior’s condition, which seems far younger than its 50-year age and looks like what I’d expect from a vehicle with such low miles.  However, there’s a small conundrum: the odometer reads 07763 miles instead of 10,200.  Maybe there’s a reason the numbers differ from what’s claimed, so I’d ask for some clarification before letting go of ten grand or more.  Fairly, the dash, seats, and most other components look like they’ve had little use, and I’m not seeing anything that would make me think the ticker has rolled over.

On the downside, this one has the smallest engine available: a 351 V8, rated at only 152 horsepower in ’76.  Both a 400 and a 460 were available as options, so either would be more favorable to find under the hood.  However, if the low-mileage claim is accurate, the trade-off may be that it still has a lot of life left.  The owner also mentions that the bottom has been undercoated, but I’d still drive it sparingly during the winters if it stays in or near New York State.  What are your thoughts on this 1976 Ford LTD, its aftermarket wheels, and the reported mileage?