Apologies in advance for the photos of this 1977 Ford LTD; they aren’t the best. There is only one interior photo and, sigh, no engine photo. You’ll have to use your imagination, as the two biggest areas of concern, the engine and underside of the trunk lid (rust), aren’t shown. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Kings Mill, Michigan, north of Detroit, and they’re asking $5,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
If Barnaby Jones would have had a 1977 LTD four-door sedan, or as brochures say, a 4-Door Pillared Hardtop, it may have looked similar to this one. Probably with a custom milk dispenser on the dash. The exterior of this second-generation LTD (model years 1969 through 1978) looks great from what I can see. Being in Michigan, though, and with 156,000 miles listed, there is undoubtedly some rust on this car somewhere. I just don’t see it, other than surface rust on the front and rear license plate holders.
Not only is the grille in perfect condition, but so is the bumper filler material, both front and rear. Although the hood emblem is probably around someone’s neck on a chain, as it’s missing. The seller says this car has been sitting, presumably inside, I hope, but the photos show it parked in different spots, unless they’re old photos? Who knows, it’s a somewhat cryptic description as well as being short on photos. What is shown is pretty impressive, though, for a ’77 LTD. There was a fancier Brougham version in two-door or four-door form, and, of course, a regular LTD wagon and Country Squire wagon with woodgrain accents.
Here’s where I’d normally put an engine photo if there had been one, but there wasn’t. Bummer. It’s a Ford 351-cu.in. OHV V8, which with a two-barrel carb (just a guess) would have had 149 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. It’s sent through a three-speed automatic to the rear wheels, and they say it “ran when parked and a few times after.” When was that? Who knows. Was it parked outside? Not a clue. If you think this LTD is worth saving and you have $5,000, you’ll have to give them a shout. Any thoughts on this parked LTD?
4500lbs, 2.47 gears. Recipe for a highway car in the late 70s
Great line Scotty: “Although the hood emblem is probably around someone’s neck on a chain, as it’s missing.” Stan is right, a typical highway/family car for its day. Nothing says 70’s like triple brown. These carry a reputation as pretty tough beasts. So as long as there is minimal rust, and the mechanicals can be coaxed back to life, this one likely has a future despite the high miles.
I love the term, 4 door, pillared hardtop. Well, with roll over standards changing, this was a good compromise. The fact this old LTD has survived this long is impressive and definitely worth reviving. That 351 C6 combo will run forever. And thanks for the memories of Barnaby Jones too Scotty. I enjoyed your write up.
We had a standard white low-option ‘75 LTD, but my grandfather had a ‘77 in Ubiquitous Yellow gussied up with a brown vinyl top and brocade interior (his last car that we inherited when he died in 1982, so we had both at the same time for a while). Both were still going strong in the late-80s with minimal rust and zero mechanical issues.
There were a lot of cop cars made from the center pillar configuration of these fords. Nice solid car, to own one is to love one.
I owned an ex-RCMP highway patrol Custom 500 (1975). Wonderful car for travelling in the country on pavement or gravel. Although basic transportation, the mighty 460 V8 could certainly pull. I never liked the big Fords from 1973 to 78. But I do respect their comfort and durability.
My parents had a 2 door version. Was a very abused car by them! Smashes, no maintenance! Yet a tank that never died!! Really was indescribable! 70’ s American fords are better than the front wheel drive media led people to believe. I will be buying one soon to escape the computers on wheels of today!
ahh the famous ran when parked and not running now. gotta love it
Almost makes me want to try a vice grip garage type thing where I buy it fly back and get it running and drive it home…. Almost, the question becomes if I did that and it made it the 2000+/- miles home now what do I do with it.
It always worries me whenever I see a scented tree hanging inside a car, but it really worries me when I see more than one. Whatever it’s trying to cover up must be serious…….mice?…possum?….Dad’s old argyle socks under the seat?…Missing uncle Bob in the trunk?
I had a 72 LTD that I sold when I “upgraded” to a brand new 84 Chevette not realizing that the LTD was a far better car in every way than that underpowered dog from hell POS Chevette.
I live less than 2 hours from this car and love anything 1977. But I can find good running malaise era boats with less miles for $5000. Seller should either pay to get it running or take the first $2000 offer he gets. I’d reckon the carb is just gummed up.