Brougham Interior Trim Option: 1968 Ford LTD

Did you notice as I did? Back in the sixties and seventies often automakers would come out with a new model, LTD in this instance, but in a few years when they became popular and sold in large numbers, they would come out with something else to take its place, or add Brougham or Limited or some similar name to it. In this instance it is Brougham. Here is a 1968 Ford LTD 4 door hardtop with Brougham Interior Trim Option for sale here on Craigslist in North Richland Hills, Texas. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Miguel for letting us know about this car.

It appears that 1968 was the first year that the Brougham Trim Option was offered on the LTD models, but by 1970 it became a separate model. In 1968, the option gave you knit nylon upholstery, pleated cushions with tufted seat backs with embroidered center panels, bright metal frames on seat sides, rear center armrest, and 100% nylon cut-pile carpeting, plus the Brougham name on the right side of the dash. Those extra cost seats appear to be in good condition on this car, but the dash top has some cracks. The LTD has air conditioning but it is not working.

The LTD shared several exterior styling touches with the XL, including new for 1968 concealed headlights as well as vertical trim on the taillights that were not found on Galaxie 500 and lower models. While almost all LTDs had a vinyl roof covering, it was optional instead of standard. The top appears to be in pretty good condition, but I don’t know if its lighting or what, there may be some rough areas.

The body does show some areas of concern. The paint appears to have some fading, especially on the right rear fender and upper left rear fender near the top. There are also a couple of dents on the right side of the car and possibly some crinkling of the left front fender tip. The car is described as having near to zero rust. There are no engine pictures, but the engine is a 390 cubic inch V-8 with a newly rebuilt carburetor. It “drives excellent, runs even better”. The LTD has an automatic transmission with dual flow master exhaust. The car has only 44,000 miles. The seller is asking $7,000. In 1968 the manufacturer advertised: “Ford . . . has a better idea”. Is it a good idea for you to purchase this car?


Comments

19 responses to “Brougham Interior Trim Option: 1968 Ford LTD”

  1. This is a new listing for this same car that was listed about 3 months ago…wonder why?
    Looks nice.

    Like 0
    1. j liu, I did a search and didn’t see this car listed here previously.

      Like 0
  2. Theodore Roberts Avatar
    Theodore Roberts

    I had the 1969 Ltd a big improvement over the 68 Ltd. WITH 428 POWER IT WAS PRETTY fast.

    Like 1
    1. I like the style of the ’68 better than the ’69, but it is all personal tastes.

      Like 6
      1. Same here I also like the 68 over the 69. That 428 also came in the 68 as well.

        Like 2
  3. The paint looks to be in poor condition, and the photos really should highlight that sweet hardtop roofline with all the windows down. But overall a very cool sinister package with the hideaways and 390. Lower it an inch or two and add some chrome Magnum 500s.

    Like 6
    1. dweezilaz Avatar
      dweezilaz

      That was the main attraction of a hardtop: the clean lines and the effect of driving a convertible with the top up.

      Yes, a missed opportunity to show the car at it’s best. Happens a lot.

      Like 0
  4. Fordguy1972 Avatar
    Fordguy1972

    I like this one; big block with the top trim level, no rust and low miles. The hide-away headlights with the black color give the car an elegant look, it’s a standout combination with the plush interior. Black paint shows everything so if it were up to me, I’d address the dings and dents and give it a fresh coat of paint. Fix the A/C and do whatever other detailing is needed; under the hood probably needs some attention. Still, what a nice car, I’d love to have it.

    My very first car was a ’69 Ford Custom with a 428 PI that I bought for the princely sum of $200. While it was a great performer, the Spartan interior left a lot to be desired. I had a lot of fun with my first car and I’m still a fan of big, powerful Fords. If I had the funds, I’d drive to Texas and get this beauty. The new owner should be very happy with this LTD.

    Like 7
    1. Fordguy1972, this is the fabric my 1972 LTD is supposed to have.

      Does anybody know where it is sold so I can put it back in my car?

      Like 0
      1. Try, SMS Auto Fabrics 350 South Redwood St. Canby, Oregon 97013

        They had the exact material for my 1955 Buick & my 1970 Lincoln Limousine.

        Like 4
      2. Thank you Paul, I will try that.

        Like 0
  5. Reminds me of Steve Mcgarrett in Hawaii 5 0

    Like 6
  6. Philip B Avatar
    Philip B

    In the 70’s, I was working at a Ford dealer when a 68 LTD came in with “burnt valves.” I got it for $300 and replaced a couple bent pushrods and it ran fine. The body shop even buffed the paint for me. But it was seafoam green and didn’t look as good as this one.

    Like 3
  7. 😲I HAVE A 69 429 2 BARREL GALVERT 53000 mi ONE OWNER NO RUST, ACCIDENTS, BEEN COVERED ON CAR CARRIER 4 35 yrs, ENGINE RUN’S XLT
    TRANNY IS OUT 4 REBUILD TEXT 💸

    Like 0
  8. Glen Riddle Avatar
    Glen Riddle

    I believe the LTD’s nylon fabric on the seats was nicknamed “panty cloth” because it was so soft and nice to the touch.

    Like 6
    1. dweezilaz Avatar
      dweezilaz

      True. That was it’s nick name and it did feel link panty cloth.

      Like 0
  9. Wrong Way Avatar
    Wrong Way

    Very nice, but that’s asking price is for a 2 door! This is a 4 door so what makes it as valuable as it’s counterpart?

    Like 0
    1. dweezilaz Avatar
      dweezilaz

      It’s still a hard top and not a sedan with a B pillar.

      4 door hard tops are just as interesting as two door hard tops, perhaps more so.

      And not as common.

      Like 0
  10. Howard A Avatar
    Howard A

    Nice cars. A friend’s dad across the alley bought a new ’68 LTD like this, only green. ( natch) The headlight doors fascinated us. His dad had a lead foot, and the car set you back pretty good. We always wanted to have Mikes dad take us somewhere, than, say, my old man.

    Like 2

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