1978 was the last year before the Ford LTD switched to the smaller Panther platform, with the car shedding some mass and weight beginning with the ’79 model, which included the station wagon as well. If you’ve been in the market for one of the larger wagons from this period, this 1978 Ford LTD might be worth considering, as it’s claimed to be 100% rust-free. That’s not to say it doesn’t need some work, as we’ll see in a moment. Rocco B. spotted this one here on Craigslist in Redlands, California, and we’d like to thank him for making us aware of it! The seller is asking for $4,900, and also mentions that trades are welcome.
From the outside, there’s not much to complain about here, as the sheet metal appears to be in very nice condition. The seller states that the wagon has been sitting in his storage for many years, but before he acquired it, the Ford was a one-owner vehicle. Baby Blue was still a popular color during this era, and the paint has just the right amount of patina on the front section to be considered cool. There’s a roof rack on top, so some extra outside luggage space is available, and with a fresh set of wheel covers, this one’s ready to roll from my perspective.
Moving to the interior, things begin to go downhill, as the front seats, carpet, headliner, and driver’s door panel are in tatters. I’m not sure what caused this, hopefully not critters of any sort, but the rear bench looks much better. Even further back, it’s great to see those optional extra seats facing each other, with the seller claiming that they have never been used. This one also has power windows, with all said to be working.
Looking under the hood, things in the bay seem to still be in decent order, with the seller indicating that the engine starts and runs. Having only been used for a relatively low 86,000 miles is a plus, as this hopefully means that there’s still some life remaining here. However, the owner also says that this one will need to be towed, due to the long amount of time it’s been sitting. The front area of the interior concerns me, but I’m liking most everything else about this 1978 Ford LTD station wagon. How about you?
Those poor seats. Body is nice, though, so it could be worth it for someone who wants to play with a wagon. I noticed power windows and A/C, but the 302 is a dog in 78 (I had one), it really needed at least a 400. If the seller is negotiable, it should sell.
Stephens that Robin egg blue was a staple on many Fords in the 80s too.. up here anyways. Cars and trucks.
I agree Stan. It was especially popular on the wagons too. At least in my neck of the woods.
Yank that malaise era engine and go to work on the interior. With a decent drive train and new interior this boat would be interesting again.
Looks like a couple of Bobcats got into a fight in the front seat and floor area. Engine is a 351M or 400, not a 302. That will make the car much easier to sell. From 1973-’76 these Ford wagons came standard with a 400 engine, with a 460 as the only option. Starting in ’77 in California the standard engine became the 351, with the 400 optional. Seller does not mention that the car has a tilt steering column and cruise control, as well as factory 4 speaker stereo.
351 was standard. 302 wasn’t available on wagons.
2k or more at least for interior work
Needs a little wider tire in the rear and raised white letter tiers small dish caps, and obviously some time at a upholstery shop if I recall correctly the seats fold flat and you can put some 4×8 plywood in the back and shut the gate.
I hate the color but the body is so solid it would be worth a color change to a different shade of blue. Nicely loaded with options. If it were closer I’d take a look and maybe make an offer , but this old girl is on the wrong coast for me.
Well, what, about $5,000 + to have the car shipped back east and redo the interior? Then replace tires, find wheel covers and fix unexpected bugs, maybe another several thousand, so about $15,000 for an attractive (for those who like the period light blue) wagon. That’s if the engine and transmission are fine. Is it worth a gamble? Maybe needs knowledgeable inspection for hire.
Pretty well equipped old wagon. New carpet, headliner and front seat and the interior is mostly in shape. You could have a good chore chaser here.
Price is a little high and the same with other comments about inside work and the condition of the powertrain. And why does it need to be towed they don’t say. It probably needs brakes. $2500 would be a better starting price here.Yes the body does look straight and pretty clean.