With domestic Station Wagon production a distant memory, potential buyers must either consider imports or search the classic market for appropriate family transport. However, this 1977 LTD might save you some hassles, because it is a solid and clean example that is unquestionably affordable. Its cavernous interior should accommodate almost anything the buyer wishes to squeeze on board, allowing them to embark on cross-country adventures with space for the entire family and their luggage. The seller has listed the LTD here on Facebook Marketplace in Whitehall, Montana. They set their price at $7,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Bruce M for spotting this spacious classic.
Ford’s Second Generation LTD range graced showroom floors from 1969 until 1978. The company utilized the predecessor’s frame, extending the wheelbase by 2″ to increase interior space. Our feature Wagon rolled off the line in 1977, which was a year when Ford only performed minor upgrades as it prepared for the badge’s replacement in late 1978. The first owner ordered this classic in Code 6P Cream, and its overall presentation is pretty impressive for its age. There is a color mismatch on the tailgate, suggesting it may have received a touch-up. Otherwise, it is consistent across the remaining panels, and there is no evidence of significant dings or rust. The trim sparkles nicely, and the glass is clear. The damage-prone wheel covers are in good order, while the narrow whitewalls add a classy finishing touch.
The first owner didn’t splash huge cash on this LTD’s mechanical specifications, opting for the entry-level 400ci V8. It sends 173hp and 326 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. With an overall length of over 225″ and a curb weight of 4,731 lbs, the Wagon could potentially feel big and heavy. Therefore, the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The power and torque figures are typical of the era, and when combined with the vehicle’s weight, mean that outright acceleration will be fairly sedate. However, it should effortlessly devour enormous distances on the open road, making it ideal for long journeys and cross-country adventures. The seller claims the Wagon has a genuine 119,000 miles on the clock, and that it runs and drives well. Therefore, flying in and driving this gem home should be a realistic expectation.
The thing that impresses me most about this Ford is its interior. Family Station Wagons often live hard lives, with luggage, the pet dog, and little feet and sticky fingers exacting a heavy toll on many surfaces. However, this LTD has avoided most of those pitfalls. The Brown vinyl trim is in exceptional condition, with no rips or tears. The rear cargo area is free from significant scratches and scrapes, while the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV exposure. The only genuine shortcoming is a few small holes in the headliner. These might respond to blind patches, although with a replacement headliner retailing for under $350, addressing that issue would be cheap and easy. It also features some reasonable options, including air conditioning, a two-way tailgate, cruise control, an AM radio, and a remote driver’s mirror.
Station Wagons have a strong following in the classic community, especially among enthusiasts who want space but aren’t drawn to an SUV or van. This 1977 Ford LTD is a wonderful survivor that can be enjoyed immediately, and addressing its most obvious shortcoming would be cheap and rewarding. Its affordability will attract many, which is why I believe it will find a home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Take the whole tribe down to the seaside ⛱️ 🌞 🏄♀️ 🏊♂️
Looks like this LTD wagon has had good care. The soft yellow paint and the brown interior gives it sort of an anonymous look. This wagon would be a good collector car to have, if you needed the vehicle to also serve duty carting the grandkids or going to Home Depot, all for not much money. And it’s almost even cool (who would have thunk it).
Not a bad deal at all if it runs and drives well. I’d do a timing chain if it hasn’t already been done, then preserve and enjoy it.
Can you imagine hitting a new car with this tank. The other car would look like a jigsaw puzzle out on the road.
I don’t know about damage prone wheel covers, this car is in Montana. There aren’t any curbs to hit out there.
This wagon reminds me of the 1971 Country Sedan in the same color as this wagon that our family had when I was a teenager. I learned how to drive in that car, got into my first fender bender in that car. I also got interrupted by a police officer for the first time while watching submarine races with a young lady. Wonderful memories, wonderful wagon for sale. Unfortunately I do not have the garage to fit this memory machine in.
Why do always write “damage prone” wheel covers ? they’re not damage prone at all. they only get damaged if you scrape a curb , its no different than scraping a wall with an alloy wheel, or even a steelie with no wheel covers for that matter . you may as well write about “damage prone” bumpers , since they can get bent if they hit something.
And without any documentation , there’s no proof this was a special ordered car , and there’s a 99% chance it wasn’t . Though its in great shape for its age, its pretty much a base LTD wagon , something every Ford dealership in the country would have a row of , and in 1977 would have done anything possible to sell a gas guzzler
Agreed. I can’t stand it when the authors overuse their cheesy “catch phrases” like: “It’s ability to storm the 1/4 mile in XX.X seconds…”
It gets old.
Really great shape and I like the color, I would want air conditioning but still very cool. Also roll up windows, which I rather have in any truck or car, USA vehicles now make people so lazy. Can not stand Any vehicles with push button trunk to close , or open!
I’m not sure there was any other option but the 400 for this year? – I don’t think you could get a 429 or 460 in a wagon for 1977.
The 460 was available. As a high school kid, I had the thrill of optioning out a Country Squire for my mother in 1977. I had checked the 460 box, only to be vetoed by Mom! We still had great fun in that car. Finding something similar is the holy grail of my classic search!
I’m personally responsible for making these hard to come by ; I must have put a dozen or so in demo derbies back when you could pick these up for $50 or less
I had a 76′ (4dr) and a 78′ (2dr) sedans. The 76′ had the 400, and the 78′ had a 302. These cars were beasts. The 400 is a real torque-r. Bang something with it, don’t worry about it. I saw a tractor-trailer back into the roof of one of these wagons, sheared half of it off, and everyone walked away. Get tired on a road trip ? Sleep in the back seat. I’m 6’4″ and had no issues. You could add air-bags for the rear and mount the biggest tires you can fit front and rear, and you would have a hefty weekend hauler. Just like a pickup with a cap on the back
Might think of doing the valve guides
too while you’re there too Zen. Had a
’73 with a 400 4 bbl carb. What a beast it was too! And safe? You bet it was! Got rear ended Christmas Eve
night after picking up some family members over in Peoria. The guy who hit me had a brand new Scout II
4X4. No damage to my wagon, but the Scout II? It had to be towed away
with a busted radiator and frame damage. But I digress. You can always tell the valve guides are bad in
a Ford engine of this era by the blue
smoke you got when you started the
engine. That came from oil dripping
down on the plugs and causing them to foul out. Paid $275 for it in 1980
and man, do I wish I had it back!
The ad says affordable driver ! Its only affordable if you don’t drive it cause from what i remember , these bloated belugas guzzled 5 gallons for a mile of bouncing …
YOLO