A 1968 Ford brochure says, “Ford ’68… Quiet. Strong. Beautiful.” That could have been said about me. Ok, maybe just the quiet part, but it’s hard to argue with the unique personality and features of the 1968 Ford LTD Brougham 4-Door Hardtop as seen in this craigslist ad. This nice-looking car that’s sorely needing thin white wall tires is located in Chico, Texas, and they’re asking $5,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
We’ve seen 10 versions of the 1968 Ford LTD here on Barn Finds over the last dozen years, and only two of them have been four-door sedans; both black, for some reason. The others were either two-door sedans or wagons. It’s hard to believe that 61,755 four-door hardtop sedans were produced for the 1968 model year; we don’t see them too often anymore. The photos are pretty good here for a change on a craigslist ad, but they appear a little cloudy or misty, so it’s hard to tell if anything is lurking. The seller provides hardly any information, except to say that the car is clean and looks good both inside and out.
Whew, finally, no Photoshop version needed here, Ford offered every body style other than an LTD Ranchero. I wish I hadn’t said that; another hour gone. Here’s the 1968 Ford LTD Brougham Ranchero that never was. The first-generation Ford LTD was made from 1965 through 1968, and the 1965 and ’66 are my personal favorites, but I’m a big fan of hidden headlights, and those came around for the ’68 model year. There appears to be some rust on the bottoms of the doors, unless that’s just a shadow? And, you can see a ding on the trunk lid in the photo above. Otherwise, it’s hard to tell the condition from the photos.
This is the only interior photo, and, as with the others, it’s a little hazy. It’s hard to tell what condition everything is in, but it looks good from what I can see. The “knit nylon” upholstery on the front seat looks perfect, but we don’t get to see the back seat, the trunk, or the underside.
The engine compartment exhibits a noticeable amount of surface rust, which can be a bit concerning, but the seller doesn’t mention it in their description. This is Ford’s 390-cu.in. OHV V8, which in two-barrel form had 265 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque when new. We don’t know if this is a two or four-barrel carb, however. It’s backed by a three-speed automatic, and they say it “runs and drives good,” and it looks like a nice example overall. Have any of you owned a ’68 LTD?
I learned to drive in a 68 Ltd. Don’t remember much but the power. And scaring my mother.
I agree with your comment Scotty: how can something as simple as the lack of thin white wall tires make such a difference? At least for me, it makes this car look fairly plain when in fact it was the well-equipped model for its day.
Another example of a seller not doing himself any favors on what might be a decent car, because of poor-quality pics and little verbiage.
This is one solid looking LTD. Even a 2 barrel 390 has plenty of Oomph to move this full size Ford very comfortably. I agree with you both, Scotty and Bob, this is screaming for white walls ( period correct ones of course) The 4 door hardtop has a very nice roof line and this looks like a great car to take the family out for ice cream and a drive and enjoy.
Scotty, I loved your LTD Brougham Ranchero, one of my favorite colors from Ford and that vinyl top, very very classy. Too bad they didn’t make it.
Thanks, sir! They’re fun to do if I have the time and inspiration. Some of them are just for the joke aspect, but some I really like for some odd reason.
I think it’s a steal at that price. I hope it finds a good home.
I recall watching on TV as a kid a show called the FBI. The commercials featured and was sponsored by Ford. In one of the commercials they showed a guy in the back seat cutting a diamond while the car was moving. How’s that for a selling prop. Wow I’ve gotten old. Where did the years go?
I ONCE owned a 72 LTD convertible, with friends saying LTD stood for La Ti Da, referring to the upscale opulence. I couldn’t agree more. Although I prefer the 65 and 66 more formal styling, this is a Bon Marche. It deserves a new home where it will be respected as a survivor of an era, unfortunately never to be seen again.
That’s much better than Lame Tired Dog that I’ve heard them called.
Yes, I owned a silver blue 4dr 1968 Ford LTD. 302 engine. w/ac! Was an awesome, comfortable car! Loved it!!
Dad bought a ‘68 Custom at auction in ‘71. It ran like a scalded cat, and could cover 10 miles for each gallon of gas you put in it. We previously had a twin ‘67. It wasn’t as quick, but for some reason, it was quieter and more solid feeling.
Scotty, You never cease to amaze me with your keen perspicacity. Yet it seems as though you can doodle out drawings and renditions without effort. I went to an Aretha Franklin concert several decades ago and when she started to perform a lady in the audience started bellowing out the song better than Aretha. Aretha panned the crowd in search of the voice and comically but with chagrin offered her the microphone. Hopefully you haven’t missed your calling Scotty.
You are way too kind, Frog, thanks much! They typically take an hour or sometimes two or more (ouch), but if they turn out, I don’t mind messing around on my own time. I don’t get paid any extra for doing them, it’s just a little public service from SG to anyone who cares enough to click on the links. Thanks for noticing and for the super nice message!
My father bought a blue 1968 LTD with the “panty cloth” seat upholstery. Very nice ride and the 390 4 barrel provided plenty of power. Several trips to Florida and to Colorado where my brother drove it to Colorado State. Came back to Tennessee with 120k miles. No problems with it whatsoever.
Awesome car and the price seems fair.
Doesn’t the sticker on the air cleaner say 4V if it’s a 4-bbl?
t-bone bob, I thought they’d say either 2V or 4V, but I zoomed in and didn’t see anything extra on this air cleaner. Bob_in_TN might know if 2-barrel carbs got a mention or not.
White cars are hard to see any flaws in paint and looks like the car has some miles on rock roads. I wonder if those pictures are from 15 years ago.
Expanding some of the photos makes me think that rust has established a beach head on the lower body. Especially on the driver door. A close inspection underneath is required.
Good that it is white and both reflects light and can be seen by others in low light. Bad that the dirty rusty area on and in front of radiator could mean cooling issue. Maybe priced okay but needs inspection. Was service neglected? Check fluids and for rust but likely better rust wise than northern cars. Not far from Dallas.
Dave in PA
I’ve found it more plausible some are too cheap to buy antifreeze and just add water or a weakened antifreeze mix. Running straight water will cause the engine to rust last week. Not to mention boil and puke from the radiator.
We owned a 1968 Ford LTD Brougham 4dr HT, 390 2 barrel, navy blue w/black vinyl roof for 13 years before passing it on to a nephew who had it for 3 more.Yes Ford advertised how quiet these were, and boy were they! We also had at the same time a 1968 Dodge Coronet 4dr sedan 318. We rarely took this car on the road trips as there was so little body insulation that conversation was difficult. On the other hand the Ford was quiet like a vault. First Ford I ever owned and probably one of the best!
The seller deleted the listing, did one of you grab this LTD?