Are you old enough to remember when Ford introduced the LTD in 1965? If so, do you also recall the ads where they compared the quiet ride of the LTD to that of a Rolls-Royce? At first, it was a gussied-up Galaxie 500 which led Chevrolet to come out with Caprice, a fancy Impala. The LTD would quickly evolve into a series of its own and stick around through the mid-1980s. This 1972 (?) example is said to be a mostly clean daily driver, but it’s had a color change over the years (and a big-ass flying hood ornament added). Located in Tampa, Florida, the Ford is available here on craigslist for $5,750, trades considered. Our thanks to Mitchell G. for uncovering another tip for us!
The full-size Fords got a rework in 1971, so the LTD and its brethren only got a light refresh in 1972. The seller says this is a ’72 model but the grille and taillights are that of a ’71. So is the seller wrong or was some sheet metal changed?. The 4-door hardtop, like this one, was a popular model and still had no pillars between the doors (but that would soon change in the name of rollover protection). The seller’s automobile has only had two prior owners and may have only seen 72,000 miles.
We’re told this LTD is a daily driver that has never been restored, but that’s not technically correct. The paint was redone a few years ago, changing from a pale yellow all over to a two-tone (without chrome trim for separation). There are telltale signs of this all over, such as the door jambs and inside the trunk lid. The seller says this paint job cost $3,000 and – if no bodywork is included in that figure—that seems high for what the car got in return.
New stuff includes the tires, brakes, and timing chain. The only dings the seller mentions are the upholstery in the driver’s seat (not well-presented) and the carpeting. The A/C is said to work great, essential for a car in humid Florida. The seller says he/she will deliver it anywhere (for a fee) and will consider trading for almost anything. We’re told there is a video showing how the car drives, but its link is not provided in the listing. So, get in this Ford, pull up alongside a Rolls, and ask “Please pass the Grey Poupon” (oops, different commercial).
This poor car has been languishing on CL for some time now. Yes, there’s an ass for every seat, but with the goofy green repaint and the even goofier hood ornament, that ass will be hard to find.
How long have the 6 other cars the seller currently listed are languishing too? He’s basically a dealer. Any potential buyers should keep that in mind and make sure all the paperwork is in order and the title is in the sellers name.
Steve R
It seems like it could be a solid car. And it has working air which is rare, how many cars we see on here with no ac belt, or needs a chage, or what have you. I agree with Rex about the hood ornament, that is not my personal cup of tea either. And the new exterior color just doesn’t quite go with the interior color. At least on a positive note, if the buyer wishes to out it back to original, they didn’t spray the door jams or trunk or under the hood.
I can understand a color change, but why this color? I would have left it yellow.
This is a ’71, not a ’72.
Looks like a US Forest Service fleet car with this paint scheme and hubcaps instead of full wheel covers
It’s a 1971, not a 72. I had a 72. The 72 had a horizontal line across the front bumper, not a drop down like a 71. Rear bumper and tail lights different also
Exactly. The front bumper on a ’71 had the drop in the center. The rear bumper on a ’72 extended higher up and surrounded the tail lights.
That poor LTD…This is what happens when people find out what a quality paint job costs these days! The last paint job I had done was in 96 and cost $5k, and the vehicle was dis assembled! They chose this hue most likely because it had been mixed and the customer backed out so they got the paint at cost. This is no $3k respray!, maybe $1k. The pale yellows of these years (there were two) were very attractive, should’ve left it!
If Earl Scheib was still around, I would say the car was painted by them.
3k paint job? not even paint the jambs for that. good luck
An even moderately decent color change costs well over 3k. Even if you don’t take the hood and trunk and doors off to prep and spray them correctly, even cleaning and mild sanding and hitting with Scotchbrite pads and masking to spray is very labor intensive. That said, I would have put the exterior back to its original color if I didn’t want to take the time and effort and money to do a proper color change. As the car sits now it looks okay….until you open a door or hood or trunk. But especially a door. Then a look of disappointment would come to my face.
Russ, your description of the hood ornament may not violate the “profanity” rule in your opinion- but I find it tacky, and frankly disappointing. I’m sure I’m in the minority- but that’s my opinion.
@Bunky
Ok Bunky, Russ stated his opinion on the incredibly tacky hood ornament, and you stated your opinion on his choice of wording.
Thank God in this country we are still allowed to voice our opinions.
Im a boomer and by Russ’ picture I’d say he’s a boomer also and this is the way we boomers talk. Cheer up, we boomers will all be dead soon. We should all be gone by 2055 or so.
Im thinking the days of one person being offended by something someone said and making new rules to change everything and accomadate that one person are over.
But you made your point.
Big-ass flying hood ornament is tacky? Now what’s the issue here? That is indeed one big ass hood “ornament”!
Russ, your description of the hood ornament may not violate the “profanity” rule in your opinion. However, I find it tacky, and frankly disappointing. I’m sure that I’m in the minority, but that’s my opinion.
Bunky
I did not find Russ’s description offensive. The word ass can also be used for donkey. And even so this is not a chu–h site. You can’t silence the public if you don’t like what they’re saying OR wearing.
I know its not the correct car; but paint it brown, throw on some white lettered tires on some black rims and drop in a big 428 and make it a White Lightning tribute. Most people wouldn’t know its the wrong model.
yes!!!
Yikes. I thought it was blue which would have been okay until you open the door. Credit for the tu-tone roof. I dunno. For a fraction of the ask I’d beat around in it.
The hood ornament is the best thing about this boat! And I bet it lights up, too.
@signguy
😆
These always reminded me of the Edsel with its vertical grill in the center of the horizontal grill.
Bunky Knudsen wanted a car that looked like a Pontiac.
Thats too funny!!!! I thought the same thing about the grill, was going to say something, and figured, eh, I’m probably the only who sees it! Thanks for bringing that out, now I’m not the only one.
Losing the hood ornament is easy, and the color, while not great, isn’t awful. I’ve seen worse! The two-tone roof is a nice touch, probably an attempt to mimic the vinyl top that may or may not have been on the car originally. This looks like a ’71 to me, the ’72 had different taillights, IIRC, and I always liked the 71 taillights just a bit better than the ones on the ’72’s. The 351 is a solid engine, and hop up parts for both the Cleveland and the Windsor are plentiful. I’d start by upgrading the intake and exhaust, then go from there. Otherwise, just drive it and enjoy it! GLWTS!
What a sad way to treat an LTD! It’s definitely a ’71 as the front bumper,tail lights and side marker lights testify. And it ain’t got a B pillar. I had the ’72 Brougham with metallic bronze paint,brown vinyl roof,and all brown interior,even the belts,with brocade (hi back front) seats,a/c,thick rugs,400 and 172hp! I liked the huge ashtray on ball bearings, and the cornering lights! 20 mpg! Quiet,comfortable and a joy to own!