While American buyers were beginning to turn their attention towards smaller and more economical cars in 1973, that didn’t prevent Ford from producing giants like this LTD. It is a big and heavy car with a large and lazy V8 under the hood. It is also a fantastic survivor that is in exceptional condition for its age. With a genuine 47,000 miles on the clock, it should have plenty of life to offer its next owner. If you fancy being that person, you will find this Ford located in Ogden, Utah, and listed for sale here on eBay. While some healthy bidding has pushed the price to $5,100, that is still below the reserve.
Conservative cars are often finished in conservative colors, and this LTD is no exception. The Tan Metallic paint that it wears is said to be original, as is the White vinyl top. The presentation is impressive for a survivor of this vintage. The paint has a good shine, with no major flaws or issues. The vinyl top is in as-new condition, with no signs of the type of deterioration that can signal exposure to harsh weather or UV rays. The panels are straight, with gaps that are tight. The only thing that may cause concern is the doors. These are heavy, and the weight places an enormous strain on the hinges as they open and close. This can cause wear that results in the doors being harder to open and close. However, if these operate correctly, that’s a positive sign. The owner mentions no dramas with rust, and there’s nothing visible in the supplied photos. The chrome and trim are in as-new condition, while the tinted glass appears flawless.
At more than 4,500lbs in weight and more than 18′ in overall length, the words “small” and “light” have probably never been used to describe this LTD. A car of those dimensions requires something substantial occupying the engine bay if vehicle performance is going to extend beyond glacial. Ford answered the call by slotting the 400-2V V8 under this car’s hood. Bolted to this is a three-speed C6 transmission, while power steering and power brakes confirm this classic’s luxury leanings. Power output from that V8 is 171hp, making the car capable of covering the ¼ mile in 18.6 seconds. The owner claims that the vehicle has a genuine 47,000 miles on the clock, but not whether he holds verifying evidence. However, he recently treated it to a service and tune-up. He says that it runs and drives perfectly, meaning it’s ready to hit the road for a spot of sedate cruising with a new owner behind the wheel.
If the exterior of this LTD is impressive, the interior is more so. The owner identifies a couple of minor faults, but these sound like they may not be a challenge to address. He says that there is a dirty mark on the carpet that should disappear with a deep clean. He also points out that the driver’s armrest feels loose and has a crack. Tweaking the screws may address the looseness, but the extent of the cracks is hard to gauge in the supplied photos. Beyond that, there’s not much of which to be critical. The plastic pieces are in good order, as is the vinyl trim. The oh-so-1970s gold brocade seat upholstery appears to be flawless, with no wear or marks. The dash and pad are in as-new condition, and once the dirty spot is addressed, the carpet will be excellent. The original owner ordered this classic with ice-cold air conditioning and an AM radio, and both features work perfectly.
Legendary Ford President Lee Iacocca once described Ford as “the home of the whopper.” While he was the driving force behind the Pinto, his personal preference leaned towards cars like this LTD and almost anything from the Lincoln range. He loved the space and isolation these cars provided, and this feeling remained with him far beyond his days at the head of the blue-oval. As the buying public began to turn their back on full-sized cars like this, they became unloved by their owners. Many changed owners numerous times and were driven into the ground. When that day finally came, their last journey was usually to the scrapyard. Finding a tidy example today is a challenge, but that is what this car represents. Given its overall condition, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bidding has to pass $7,000 before it hits the reserve. However, when you look at what is on offer, it still makes it an affordable classic capable of attracting its share of attention and favorable comments. It might not be at the reserve yet, but I think that it will make it.
The LTD got a complete restyle for ’73, partly because of the new front bumper mandates and also because the Chevy Caprice as also updated. These used to be so common, but are rare now.
Ford’s slogan for the big cars was “more road-holding weight”, which drew nothing but derision for the car magazines. And with that 400 2-barrel emissions lump under the hood, their slogan should have been “less road-scorching power”
I would proudly drive this car…dumped in the back raised in the front…sweet sound w/some cool wheels etc…. But doood…it’s a 73 LTD…it’s not,never was and never will be a “classic”… get a grip
I want it, then I could cruise around like Barnaby Jones!
1971 has always been my cutoff, and this Mocha Malaise Mambo Mama bears it out.
But I still like it.
Whether you like it or not, this 1973 Ford LTD is in impressive original condition, in and out. Typical colors for the times and at least it’s a two door. While I like this Ford, I like the previous ’71-’72 models much better having owned a couple (one having a 429 PI) and the one I currently own I’ve had for 26 years. Ford’s Galaxies and LTDs were well known for their smooth, quiet ride and I suspect the same of this ’73. It’s heavy and somewhat underpowered but it was set up to be more of a comfortable cruiser than a performance machine. Rarely seen today, I suspect the next owner to be the only guy to have one at most car shows he attends.
I’d drive it on nice days to get ice cream, just don’t eat it in the car! If that lead photo was a bit fuzzy it could pass for an original magazine ad.
“He says that there is a dirty mark on the carpet that should disappear with a deep clean.”
You have to ask the question if it should “disappear with a deep clean” why the seller did not perform said deep clean?
Does the AC work?
Too many questions, not enough answers to bid. Besides being a gas hog it is also as slow as molasses in January.
Sorry I just read the eBay ad. It does mention that the AC blows cold. I posted the above after I read Adam’s write-up which did not mention the AC.
Adam always writes that things may disappear with a deep clean – I’m sure he’s an optimist !;
Time was when my grandparents bought a new one of these every two years for cash. Ford must’ve been sorry when they aged-out. Have not seen one of these in years! The brocade brings back a lot of memories! Great find!
My dad had the 1971 coupe in all navy blue. It was fabulous! That’s when you could get the hi-back seats in the front which were very cool. The great feature on the exterior was the back tail lights which went across the entire back like the Thunderbirds in the late 1960s. Note to automakers- they were not red reflectors – they all lit up at night! The 1972 model ruined the back and front looks. The front bumper split the nose of the car in an off-putting way. This 1973 was an improvement. That 1971 model had power!
I owned an almost carbon copy of this, same color, interior, engine, but a 74, 50k miles. I do regret selling it but at the time had other obligations. An excellent car with the right expectations. A great highway cruiser and commuter for its time.
Back in 1973, my boyfriend at the time had a ’73 LTD in these exact same colors. He worked at Ford and his car was totally optioned out. Every box got checked.
He took me to the drive-in to see George Romaros “Night of the Living Dead” and that movie scared me so bad that when the guy comes down the stairs and a arm comes smashing through the window, I jumped and actually put a small dent in the dashboard. He was not pleased, but seeing this car brings back so many good memories.
Or did you jump when he put his hand on you?
😂😂😂 @ Jesse
I had a 71 LTD coupe and can attest to the door hinge issue . I had to replace or the door wouldn’t open or close properly
The Barnaby Jones special.