Ford offered the LTD II for only three years, between 1977 and 1979, and they were a unique car at the time, or at least somewhat unique as the Mercury Cougar was a similar platform. The seller has this “tu-tone” gray 1978 Ford LTD II with the Sports Touring Package posted here on craigslist in Metairie, Louisiana and they’re asking 13,500 or best offer, which includes free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.! Here is the original listing, and thanks to sporty Pat L. for sending in this tip!
I love Metairie, that’s my go-to place to stay when I’m in New Orleans. I’ve always wondered about the LTD II, and if Ford got the name from the Mustang II. There weren’t too many other car companies that used “II” in their car model names but Ford sure liked to do that.
The dark gray/light gray color combination is pretty elegant on this car, in my opinion. I don’t know if I’ve seen a gray/gray version of this Sports Touring Package LTD II before, which Ford called “Tu-Tone.” The Sports Touring Package, by the way, was a graphics package, there was really no added “sport” at all as far as the performance or handling, it was graphics and paint. There was a Sports Touring Package also available on the base model Ford LTD II S.
The seller says that this car is rust-free and all original, but it sure looks like the right front fender is a hair lighter than the right quarter panel to me. It could be a trick of light and/or shadow. The interior looks to be in outstanding condition on this LTD II, with its optional “Lamar” vinyl bucket seats. They all came with an automatic transmission, a manual wasn’t available on the LTD II, and the back seat looks like it’s never been sat on.
The engine looks as clean as any that I have seen here, nice job, seller! It’s Ford’s 351 OHV V8, which would have had 144 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The seller doesn’t say how it runs but I have to assume that it runs as nicely as it looks. Any thoughts on this LTD II?
Another Sports Touring Package LTD II. This one looks as nice as the “Tu-Tone” green one recently featured. The color scheme looks classy and blends right into the modern automotive landscape, which (compared to the green/green) may or may not be what you want. This example does not feature the cool Instrumentation Group. Similar prices. Would be a nice cruiser.
Those wheels/tires work on this car.Adds to the ’70’s look.
I like it! Which is not normal for me because I hate those huge 5 mph bumpers. If I had it I would take the bumpers off and shave em down or find something (72 Pinto, ha, just kidding) to replace these bumpers. I have always liked the big FORDs so I could easily see myself going to the grocery store in this. I wish I had room in my garage for it.
I had a ’78 Ranchero in high school. I would LOVE to have this car.
Even the 4 doors look good in my opinion.
“There weren’t too many other car companies that used “II” in their car model names but Ford sure liked to do that.”
Mostly because in the seventies Henry Ford the second ran the company, and was known to be rather imperious. I imagine the rank and file in marketing thought adding “II” to the model name would win them some brownie points with the boss.
The ‘II’ added to certain models sure seemed to create (for some people) pretty unmemorable models – hence the LTD II, Mustang II, and Bronco II.
It looks like a Monte Carlo from the front with a linger nose and a Chrysler in rear with 68 Toronado tail lights. I like it and cruise it.
My 1st ex-wife had one when we were married. Very comfortable ride, plenty of power(for the time). A little unnerving when getting on it on country roads, as combination of aircraft carrier hood and way over assisted power steering gave you absolutely zero idea of where the front wheels were pointed.
I bet it would look a thousand times better if you ditched those godforsaken 5mph bumpers, and you’d probably save a thousand pounds of weight as well! The government sure did a good job of completely ruining car styling in the 70’s, regardless of their good intentions for safety. I’d also yank that wheezy 140 horsepower boat anchor out of the engine bay and either rebuild it for power or replace it with a built crate engine so it could live up to its styling, after removing those hideous bumpers of course.
Why do people get so bent out of shape over those bumpers? They really did help in fender benders, a lot better then before them, thats for sure. I think these were beautiful cars. As far as a more powerful engine, prepare to fully replace the suspension. These were pretty soft.
I agree. And I think Ford did a decent job with their body on frame cars.
I dont mind the big bumpers ; if you raced in the stock classes back in t he 1980s / 90s , you’d find out the cars with the larger bumpers lived a lot longer than the earlier cars.
My only beef with these were the stacked headlights. There wasn’t one car that had improved looks with that short lived trend ; Cordoba, Monte Carlo , Malibus, Fury/Coronet , Dodge and Chevy trucks, etc..
Wow! How many of these LTD II coupes in good condition are hiding out in garages? We sometimes attend Ford only shows, and you rarely see them there. This is a beautiful car.
I think adding the term sport to a two-ton, auto transmissioned barge is a bit far fetched, like dressing up like a wizard not really giving you magical powers.
That said, I do like the tu tone Grey, even though I’d prefer a Mustang II or Pinto from the same era with manual transmissions.
The styling of these cars was a total homage to the 1971 Pontiac GP, particularly the directly aped pontoon or missile-like sculpting behind the headlights and the overall hood proportions and front end presentation. John Z and the Mitchell house of style had a massive impact throughout the industry.
Your posted name is incredibly apropos!
Please elucidate, Genius
A lot of thoughts go through my head when I see one of these, but not that comparison. The ‘69-‘72 Grand Prix was a MUCH better looking car, in my opinion
I certainly wouldn’t argue that, but it’s evident that the styling of the LTD II was heavily influenced by the GP even when drawing a more direct comparison between this car and the Colonnade Monte Carlos which themselves represent a continuance of the prominent neoclassical styling introduced on the ’71 GP. It is what it is.
Don’t forget the Bronco ll. A buddy had a 76 LTD that was a pretty nice cruiser. I can’t imagine trying to make that car “sporty”. Those seats don’t look comfy. If memory serves, you could smuggle a family of illegals between the bumper and the radiator with all the extra space.
I like it. I imagine it would feel just like my brother’s ’78 Thunderbird would feel to drive, although, he had the 302.
Power windows, locks and seats would make it even more cool.
Dress-shirt Torino or turtle-necked T-Bird. Same difference.
Sports Touring. Hahaha, that’s a riot!
Had a green four door from this time frame. Comfortable cruising, cloth seats and all. Fit the family well and liked the looks. Long since gone.