This 1972 Ford LTD Convertible has so many positive attributes that it is difficult to know where to start. It is a one-owner classic that appears to be well preserved. Summer is just around the corner, so it offers a classy option for a spot of weekend cruising. Increasing the desirability, it has been listed for sale here on eBay in a No Reserve auction. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for referring the big Ford to us. It is located in Carmel, Indiana, and the bidding is currently sitting at $8,600.
At a touch over 18-feet in length, the Medium Lime LTD is a giant of a car. It has a presence that is guaranteed to attract attention, and the seller goes to great pains to emphasize the vehicle’s originality. When you look across the entire car, it is hard to spot any modifications or aftermarket additions. The paint shines nicely, but it does have a few marks and scratches. The one that appears to have the most significant question mark over it is on the passenger-side rear quarter panel. I have been trying to decide whether that is a scratch or something reflecting in the paint. If it is a scratch, then it would be the worst on the car by a long way. I think that a skilled paint shop would be able to touch-up these marks without needing to resort to a full repaint. The panels are extremely straight, and there is no evidence of rust problems in any of the supplied photos. The chrome is in excellent order, as are the glass and the Black convertible top. The vulnerable hubcaps have been spared any damage, and the overall impression the Ford conveys is very positive.
The 1972 LTD offered buyers several engines, but this owner went straight to the top with the 429-4V V8. The Convertible also features a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. This monster motor offered 208hp when it was new, which was enough to send the 4,464lb LTD through the ¼ mile in 17.8 seconds. The listing details indicate that this Ford has 72,000 miles on the clock, but it isn’t clear whether there is any evidence to back this. However, it seems that there is a collection of documentation included in the sale, so there could be evidence amongst these papers. The engine bay presents superbly, and this doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller says that the LTD is in excellent mechanical shape, and there is no evidence of any fluid leaks or long-term problems. That would seem to mean that the open roads are beckoning this classic.
If there is one aspect of this Ford that is a highlight, it has to be the interior. The seller talks so much about this classic’s originality, and if that interior is as it left the factory, it makes the mileage claim seem plausible. I’m always hesitant to use the word perfect when describing any aspect of an original survivor, but it is hard to find a better word to describe this interior. There is no evidence of rips or tears and no signs of wear. There are no cracks on the dash or pad and no fading or wear on the carpet. The owner ordered the car with a few interesting optional extras. These include air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and a factory alarm system.
This 1972 Ford LTD Convertible has a lot to offer its next owner. I always like classics that have been in the one family since new because that tends to mean that the car has been treated with care and respect. This one isn’t perfect, but taking it to the next level should not be a difficult or expensive undertaking. If you love classics wearing the blue-oval badge, this has to be a vehicle that is worth a closer look. Even if another brand ticks the boxes for you, it would still be worth a look. After all, Summer is just around the corner.
I am green with envy wishing this could be in my barn. But alas and alack, I haven’t the room. How much fun would this beauty be with a third pedal, keeping the bench.
As I’m typing this I’m listening to Sirius Channel 6, and “Hot Fun In The Summertime” came on. What a nice summertime cruiser this could be. Plan some local trips to visit places and do things you couldn’t do in 2020. Go on some cruises with the local car club. Take the grandkids for ice cream. Maybe the car isn’t perfect, but for a cruiser, who cares.
Like Adam says, the single-owner status suggests it is in pretty good shape. That family photo in the ebay ad is terrific. I’m guessing those small kids in the picture might be in their 20’s now.
This car is a great start for this model type and year. It has the high end turbine hubcaps. The 429 needs to be awakened. Front (a thicker one) and the addition of rear stabilizer bar really help keep this boat steady. Koop
It was a one owner car, not any more. “Selling for a friend” and “original title in hand” are almost always short hand for I’m flipping it and skipped putting the car in my name. There is nothing wrong with flipping a car, but the language the seller chooses is designed to get potential buyers to bid more than they otherwise would have, while simultaneously saving them DMV fees. It also brings into question the accuracy of their description. By all means, it looks like a nice car that was loved and well cared for, but how willing was the seller willing to pad their description.
Steve R
Nice car at a nice price. As far as the concert expressed about a potential scratch on the rear quarter, I look at the pictures and think maybe it has a popular 70s addition of stick on chrome door ding protector that was popular back then
Maybe it’s the light but the passenger side front fender looks darker.Beautiful car .
I agree. The right front fender appears to be refinished.
My father had a 1971 LTD Brougham with the 429. He bought it from a Ford executive. It had every option and, as I understand, the cars that went to the executives, are flagged as they go down the line to make sure everything is 100%. When he sold it, it had 247000 problem fee miles.
Liked the 71’S better, liked the faillghts better!
The people on the assembly line haven’t a cold clue who the vehicle is destined for. Special attention for executives is just another myth along the lines of “Monday cars” or “Friday cars”.
Drop a 4 speed in there, yeah, it’s a soft top, but it’s as close as I’d get to a Gator McCluskey mobile.
I had one back in the day. It was red with a white top and a white interior. It had the light group that includes directionals next to the reflector in the front fender, front high back buckets, center console with a floor automatic shifter. Was in a light front end accident and the insurance company totaled the car because no one could source a front fender with the light group cutout!
Butt ugly color, and should have a white top
White top makes it for Florida or a girl, and does not last well.
So, that’s how a no reserve auction is done these days. Bidding is not high enough, so seller pulls it?
I see the auction is a one way street where the bidder is obliged to take it, but the seller can back out. WT Heck is going on these days?
I agree with you, Ebay should make the seller finish the auction. The only other issue would be that the seller in that case would have a friend bid on it to push the bid up, or if he wins it, then he doesn’t sell it to his friend.
Bob K, look at my picture. I think I qualify
Can’t help but think of Burt Reynolds I know I’m showing my age
Beautiful car and one I can certainly relate to. I love the full size Fords of the late ’60s and early ’70s, my first two cars were a ’69 Custom and a ’72 Custom, both ex-State Police cruisers. This car is in excellent shape for a near 50 year-old and shows it was well cared for. It’s certainly well-optioned and who doesn’t like a big block convertible? I’d love to have it but I’m well satisfied with my ’72 Galaxie 500 that I’ve owned for 26 years.
That LTD looks 40 feet long. The ultimate cruise to the beach road trip.
Not a heck of a lot of leg room in the back seat, considering how huge this car is!
No one in the 1st ebay family pic is interested in taking ownership of this car? Odd.
I wonder if anyone was ever seriously injured in an accident by the sharp edge/point in the dash – who sat real close to the driver.
You are right about the fact that “Executive Cars & Auto Show Cars” were flagged as they went down the assembly line. Those cars received special treatment and many inspectors & foreman signed off at each station before that car could advance down the line. I know. I worked at a Chrysler plant in th e1970’s!