I have an 89 Colony Park, white with wood trim, optional rear seating for 8. People really get a kick out of riding in it. The car drives like a dream, handling is really good for its size. It is acceptable off the start, but you will need miles of road to pass someone. Also have a Black 72 2 door Galaxie 500, she is quite a different monster. I take this one to the car shows. You can really feel the weight behind this one and cloud like suspension. Moves alone pretty good with a modified 400.
These were just “Standard Size”. We were so used to these battleships, and air craft carrier size cars ,we didn’t see them as that big, it was just, all other cars were “small”. Outside of AMC, Studebaker, and the foreign cars, Big cars were all we had. The “compact “ cars , though sold well, still, until the 70’s, most everyone had a big car [ and maybe a smaller car too]. These were also TOW vehicles, towing huge campers, and boats. Great video. 🚗🙂
Great video, as always! I've always been fond of the 1988 LTD Crown Victoria refresh which I think appeared on the 1989 models. Felt to me like it really made the car feel more modern before the Taurus-inspired refresh that you noted!
Welcome back…a very eagerly awaited return. Informative and interesting, as always. Thanks from “Down Under” for the Ford Australia references and thanks for providing such great content.
I'm from Australia, and I thought it stood for' Limited.' They had a resurgence in the 1990s with the younger kids. They liked the engines and roominess. The one you showed in the Golden colour was everywhere for a while. Also, glad that you cleared up the situation with the National Lampoon car. I imagined it was real at the time, an example of excess.
I had a 1987 Fairmont and it looked so similar too the Granada, just a foot longer and 10cm wider. Of cause they changed little things like lights and the interior was the same as the Fairlane.
@@jeffshadow2407 2005 lesabre limited, got it at 102k miles for 2950, it was a private sale. mechanically sound had a few things due on it but wasn't bank-breaking.
I wish i had a 77-79 ltd ll the front turn L and R lights lens and parts are real hard to find,even in junk yards,hehe ebay to high priced 800 a pair,actual 25 a light,brand new hot off the press 75.00 in box ??
Good Video on the Ford LTD! As much as it was sad to see it get phase out in throughout the 1980's, 1990's & 2000's years later in the 2010's Ford Australia would endup discontinuing making cars like their Version of the LTD & Their Version of the Ford Falcon that made me wish that Ford Australia sold the Falcon here in the USA, Since Australia kept updating the car body of the Falcon for a long time.
The Australian Ford LTD was a clever stretching of the Falcon on the station wagon chassis . Styling and luxury trim had the LTD and related Fairlane looking like much bigger cars than the Falcon despite many common parts like the windscreen etc.
Never had an LTD or Crown Victoria but had 3 Grand Marquis, ‘88,’01 and ‘04. So very familiar with the Panther Platform. In drivers Ed in 1974 we had a Ford LTD as a driver ed car.
Panther platform was great. Especially once the reworked modular motors with the 4R70w transmission were introduced. Marauder with that combo is a comfortable cruiser that I'd love to own at some point, but I've already got 3 cars (all older) and running out of room until I move.
We had our own Landau in Australia too. It’s always interesting to hear a name/model/badge I know on a completely different car. As for the mention of the Ranchero, it seems to be that Utes never really took off in the US? You obviously had this and the Elcamino, but Falcon and Commodore Utes were a mainstay in the Australian market right up until the end of Holden and Ford Australia.
I’d say the most popular would be the El Camino, Subaru Baja, and Subaru Brat. All of which aren’t very popular and none of which are made anymore. I guess the Hyundai Santa Cruz that just came out might count.
I always remember-and was introduced-to the LTD as Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones') car in MIB 25 years ago. Peter Griffin's station wagon is also an LTD Crown Victoria of the same vintage.
Love to see you cover the Subaru Brat, one of the few Ute's to land in the states outside of the massive Ranchero and El Camino's (you could maybe include them in the video)
Man,you didn't even mention the brazillian LTD! That was a reworked Ford Galaxie 500 l,which was sold until 1983,and was one of the most luxurious cars ever made here prior to the import ban lift in 1990,alongside the Alfa Romeo 2300 Ti4 and the Dodge Charger R/T. Really well made and confortable car even by today's standards,with a fuel consumption of around 3-4 km/l due to the weight and the big 5.7 V8.
I always remember the Seinfeld quote: "LTD... Limited Edition. What did they make, 50 million of those? Yes, it's 'limited' to the number we can sell".
I imagine if Ford were to revive the LTD name, they could make a car that uses the same platform as Lincoln Continental for the sedan version and makes it comparable to the European grand tourer for the coupe one (probably with a slight difference in length by the wheelbase or rear overhang). Of course, both will be at more competitive price points compared to its Lincoln and European counterparts.
I had a 1973 KTD Brougham. That was a comfortable car that I had for a few years in college. Lots of room to move possessions between semesters. I lived 7 hours from home and it was a wonderful Interstate cruiser. A memorable car for me!
Originally "LTD" was referred to as "Limited" but in later years I recall a Ford commercial where "LTD" was referred to as "Lincoln Traditional Design." I owned a 1985 "LTD Brougham." I was disappointed in the car and traded it for a 1987 Camaro which a year later due to a faulty wiring harness caught fire and was totalled.
CORRECTION: Law Enforcement vehicles based on the large Ford chassis were almost always the cheapest trim level...thus during the 1960s and through 1972 ("Custom"), through 1978 ("Custom 500" with fleet only sales beginning in either 1975 or 1976, and Canadian only sales in 1978, the final year of that size). The Galaxie 500 was last sold in the U.S. in 1974, but was unlikely to be a cop car because the Custom and Custom 500 were of a cheaper trim (with enhancements for police/fire duties). Replica clones of cop cars were made for movies/TV shows and then later as novelties...but were unauthentic in their interior trim/external badging.
Great video! You left out a relevant LTD information history of the cars produced by Ford in Brazil from 1969 to 1977, the 500, the LTD and from 1977 to 1982 the Landau.
Would love to see a video on this channel of the ford falcon or Holden commodore ect. Would be interesting to see a video of these cars in the eyes of an American consumer
On april 29th 1976, a bought a brand new mercury cougar. Five weeks later I got married. 46 years later I still have the car and still have the wife. And they are both in good shape yet.
Friend of mine in high school had a 72 LTD. We called it Lemon To Drive. He neutral dropped it in the school parking lot and blew the drive shaft. It was hysterical. Many more neutral drops and the transmission died. He junked it after that.
One of two cars I owned (the other was Olds 98) that you could put a 55 gal. drum in the trunk and close the lid! Huge cars with a smooth floaty ride and room for 6 people, but they cornered like a cannonball.
I'm 25 and from America, I have a 2017 Suburban Premier. Love it, and unlike most Americans, I tow with it constantly. 29 times in the last 2 years. American trucks are still great value for the tech and maintenance costs. I have digital display with Android Auto, digital cluster, HUD, etc. However I am fully aware it is almost a privilege to have access to thess kinds of luxury/executive class large vehicles here, european roads, infastructure, fuel cost and taxes. The question must be presented; would you europeans want easier access to these large vehicles given your geological location?
I see a Fox body LTD, I think of “The Parking Garage” episode of Seinfeld. In the very last scene, when they’re about to leave, it won’t start. Apparently, that wasn’t intentional.
I had a used 1976 LTD that had a 8track player and the previous owner had gotten an 8: track tape stuck in the player. The car eventually got a hole in the floor and I covered it with plywood and drove it until the gas tank began to leak. I traded it for a Dodge caravan.
The (small) Ford LTD (1983-1986) was also known as the Taxi and Police car in GTA Vice City (Stories). It almost looked IDENTICAL to the original - aside the lack of the Ford badge. And the rear lights were head over heels...
I have a 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis...basically a badge engineered variant of the Ford LTD. I love that car. I'm keeping that one forever.
Wow! I just picked up a '75 LTD last December and I gotta say I love that I found this video.
Lucky bastard
They were just big, utility, good looking cars that everybody owned at one time or another. Simple yet trustworthy.
Full sized cars and trucks is what Ford was good at
And reliable too
Exactly right, they were everywhere. We had a 71’ with 400 cube 2bbl. Very smooth and quiet from what I remember. Super plush compared to others
Pimps loved them growing up.
Good looking? 🙄
I've got a '71, and I absolutely adore it. It's just so nice to drive. I've never been more comfortable behind the wheel.
me too, 71 LTD 2 door htp
73 Mercury Marquis wagon here, most comfortable car I have including 74 Lincoln and 69 Cad.
I remember seeing a lot of LTDs in the 1980s. They were big cars and quite comfortable. Could use one right now.
Athefumen
I really appreciate the depth of the popular cultural references in this episode. Well done!
I have an 89 Colony Park, white with wood trim, optional rear seating for 8. People really get a kick out of riding in it. The car drives like a dream, handling is really good for its size. It is acceptable off the start, but you will need miles of road to pass someone.
Also have a Black 72 2 door Galaxie 500, she is quite a different monster. I take this one to the car shows. You can really feel the weight behind this one and cloud like suspension. Moves alone pretty good with a modified 400.
What's mods have you done to it? I have a 74 I want to upgrade
These were just “Standard Size”.
We were so used to these battleships, and air craft carrier size cars ,we didn’t see them as that big, it was just, all other cars were “small”.
Outside of AMC, Studebaker, and the foreign cars, Big cars were all we had.
The “compact “ cars , though sold well, still, until the 70’s, most everyone had a big car [ and maybe a smaller car too].
These were also TOW vehicles, towing huge campers, and boats.
Great video.
🚗🙂
I love those pictures of campers and boats hooked up. Even race cars in tow. Then you realize they’re body on frame and rwd. Still crazy.
Let's face it, small cars were looked at as poor cars.
They seem large until parked next to a full sized SUV of today
@@timothykeith1367in terms of length? Nah crown vic is longer than some full sized SUVs. In terms of height you’re right
LTD stood for "Long Time Driving" because these land yachts were built for road trips.
The LTD was probably the best land yacht considering price and the variety of options
Actually it is the Lincoln Continental of those years.
@@SpockvsMcCoy Lincoln is a bit fancy though, wouldn't wanna park that in 1970s New York 😂
Very reliable
3:32 that’s actually a 78’-86’ model caprice because the 87’-90’ models had single beam head light lenses opposed to the older “split quad” headlights
Great video, as always! I've always been fond of the 1988 LTD Crown Victoria refresh which I think appeared on the 1989 models. Felt to me like it really made the car feel more modern before the Taurus-inspired refresh that you noted!
I have owned a lot of Fords but for some reason never owned the LTD model. Thanks Pat
Welcome back…a very eagerly awaited return. Informative and interesting, as always. Thanks from “Down Under” for the Ford Australia references and thanks for providing such great content.
I had the 77 Mercury Grand Marquis w the 460 V8 and it was beautiful!
I'm from Australia, and I thought it stood for' Limited.' They had a resurgence in the 1990s with the younger kids. They liked the engines and roominess. The one you showed in the Golden colour was everywhere for a while. Also, glad that you cleared up the situation with the National Lampoon car. I imagined it was real at the time, an example of excess.
I'm from New Zealand and I always thought it was because it being a luxury car it was built in the Lincoln Thunderbird Division of FoMoCo.
The name "Limited" (spelled out) had been a Buick for decades.. That's probaably why they abbreviated it.
I certainly remember seeing advertising in the for the DL series LTD proclaiming that “Only the name is Limited”.
I’m from Australia and I investigated this name as a kid. Somehow I came across the explanation as being an acronym for “Lincoln Towncar Division”
I was told LTD stood for" Lincoln Trimmed Down"
Loved the hidden headlights fabulous looking design
There's a brewery in Hopkins, Minnesota called LTD Brewing. Their LTD stands for Live The Dream.
The fox platform originated with the Fairmont which at the time was the underpinnings of the Mustang, Granada, and Thunderbirds.
I had a 1987 Fairmont and it looked so similar too the Granada, just a foot longer and 10cm wider. Of cause they changed little things like lights and the interior was the same as the Fairlane.
5:53...I always liked those "wall to wall" taillights found only on 1971 LTDs.
A video on the Buick Lesabre would be pretty cool. they stopped making them after the 2005 model year.
I was fortunate to find a donated, perfectly running 2005 LeSabre Custom with 75,925 miles at Copart for $2,400.
they stopped making the LeSabre (and the Park Avenue) when the Lucerne was launched in 2006.
@@jeffshadow2407 2005 lesabre limited, got it at 102k miles for 2950, it was a private sale. mechanically sound had a few things due on it but wasn't bank-breaking.
I still see TONS of LeSabres on the road. They were built well!
@@isaac24 same with park avenues
The LTD II was also used extensively in the 1980s TV show “Highway To Heaven”
I remember that show!
@@RetroTechChris What're you doing way over here?
@@bbishoppcm haha, similar interests I guess! Cars and computers!!
I wish i had a 77-79 ltd ll the front turn L and R lights lens and parts are real hard to find,even in junk yards,hehe ebay to high priced 800 a pair,actual 25 a light,brand new hot off the press 75.00 in box ??
@@steveconnolly7129 I uh… What?!
Good Video on the Ford LTD! As much as it was sad to see it get phase out in throughout the 1980's, 1990's & 2000's years later in the 2010's Ford Australia would endup discontinuing making cars like their Version of the LTD & Their Version of the Ford Falcon that made me wish that Ford Australia sold the Falcon here in the USA, Since Australia kept updating the car body of the Falcon for a long time.
The Australian Ford LTD was a clever stretching of the Falcon on the station wagon chassis .
Styling and luxury trim had the LTD and related Fairlane looking like much bigger cars than the Falcon despite many common parts like the windscreen etc.
Never had an LTD or Crown Victoria but had 3 Grand Marquis, ‘88,’01 and ‘04. So very familiar with the Panther Platform. In drivers Ed in 1974 we had a Ford LTD as a driver ed car.
Panther platform was great. Especially once the reworked modular motors with the 4R70w transmission were introduced. Marauder with that combo is a comfortable cruiser that I'd love to own at some point, but I've already got 3 cars (all older) and running out of room until I move.
I always thought LTD meant Learn To Drive since most of the people driving one never ventured north of the speed limit.
That was actually funny 😆
Good one!
We had our own Landau in Australia too. It’s always interesting to hear a name/model/badge I know on a completely different car.
As for the mention of the Ranchero, it seems to be that Utes never really took off in the US? You obviously had this and the Elcamino, but Falcon and Commodore Utes were a mainstay in the Australian market right up until the end of Holden and Ford Australia.
I’d say the most popular would be the El Camino, Subaru Baja, and Subaru Brat. All of which aren’t very popular and none of which are made anymore. I guess the Hyundai Santa Cruz that just came out might count.
Thanks for the great video. The 75 LTD Landau is a beautiful car with those hidden headlights. I also love the 92 Crown Victoria.
In some places, like Chicago for example, it was known as the
"Lunatic Transportation Device"
I always remember-and was introduced-to the LTD as Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones') car in MIB 25 years ago. Peter Griffin's station wagon is also an LTD Crown Victoria of the same vintage.
Peter's wagon looks like it has the corner lights of a 75-78 with the body of a 79
Man, I would love to have an 80's LTD two door. To me, those were much more handsome than the four doors.
Love to see you cover the Subaru Brat, one of the few Ute's to land in the states outside of the massive Ranchero and El Camino's (you could maybe include them in the video)
The VW Caddy and Omni based Dodge Rampage were also available for a number of years
I agree
Man,you didn't even mention the brazillian LTD! That was a reworked Ford Galaxie 500 l,which was sold until 1983,and was one of the most luxurious cars ever made here prior to the import ban lift in 1990,alongside the Alfa Romeo 2300 Ti4 and the Dodge Charger R/T.
Really well made and confortable car even by today's standards,with a fuel consumption of around 3-4 km/l due to the weight and the big 5.7 V8.
Ford LTD a reworked Galaxie 500 in Brazil ? What the heck do you think it was in the US a reworked Fairlane? .
Those are so cool, I would kill to get one the late models with the twin horizontal headlights. They looked like baby continentals.
I always remember the Seinfeld quote: "LTD... Limited Edition. What did they make, 50 million of those? Yes, it's 'limited' to the number we can sell".
i am once again asking for a video on the volkswagen fox please
Great review. Always loved that car. It fits right in between the Mark VII and a Cougar but w/ a Ford name plate.
I have a 74 ltd coupe with 400/2bbl,very reliable and great ride
I was always told that LTD stood for Luxury Through Design.
3:34 I love that movie. That's The Chase from 1994.
I imagine if Ford were to revive the LTD name, they could make a car that uses the same platform as Lincoln Continental for the sedan version and makes it comparable to the European grand tourer for the coupe one (probably with a slight difference in length by the wheelbase or rear overhang). Of course, both will be at more competitive price points compared to its Lincoln and European counterparts.
I had a 1973 KTD Brougham. That was a comfortable car that I had for a few years in college. Lots of room to move possessions between semesters. I lived 7 hours from home and it was a wonderful Interstate cruiser. A memorable car for me!
Dad worked at the Buffalo Ford plant. Galaxies and LTD’s were a way of life for me.
Great video as always. You should do a video on a Japanese luxury sedan. A good suggestion is either the Acura Legend or the Infiniti Q45.
As a kid, these cars were everywhere. These cars are huge by today's standards they were just full-sized then.
Couches on wheels! Great idea.... adding the movie clips [I didn't remember all the models....I was just a kid playing in that vast velour backseat]!
Internationally,
“Limited “ is abbreviated
“LTD”.
Companies [ especially British] often had “LTD” at the end of the company’s name.
🚗🙂
* slow clap *
LTD Load of Tin from detroit
Luxury Trim Decor.. L.T.D..
LTD=Love That Dope. Witness all the burn holes in the velour interior in used ones. Smart potheads opted for leather. 🤣 🤣 🤣
@@robtans5042 Thanks karen...
Originally "LTD" was referred to as "Limited" but in later years I recall a Ford commercial where "LTD" was referred to as "Lincoln Traditional Design." I owned a 1985 "LTD Brougham." I was disappointed in the car and traded it for a 1987 Camaro which a year later due to a faulty wiring harness caught fire and was totalled.
The convertible really looked sleek.
I had a small 80's ltd 85 I think and it had the interceptor package. It was a animal off road
This was what I had always gravitated toward, even when our lives were fast becoming a freak show when two different gas crises hit!!
Our LTDs were Country Squires. A 72 and a 75. Both over 400 cu in. Neither were fast, but were great for filling with friends.
Thanks!
Thank you!!
@@MyOldCar You are welcome
father was a salesman. had a 1976 ltd brougham. beautiful. in 1978 he could choose from impala or ltd11 Ltd11 it was. upgraded the interior. Loved it.
Man i love this channel. Fantastic work. 👏👍👍
My dad bought a 1974 LTD in the 1973 Thunderbird together. I like both of those cars, and I still have the Thunderbird!
I had a 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria. I loved that car.
A 1971 LTD is the “hero car” in the Burt Reynolds movie “White Lightning.” They jump it onto a barge at one point.
so much info there. Great video
CORRECTION: Law Enforcement vehicles based on the large Ford chassis were almost always the cheapest trim level...thus during the 1960s and through 1972 ("Custom"), through 1978 ("Custom 500" with fleet only sales beginning in either 1975 or 1976, and Canadian only sales in 1978, the final year of that size). The Galaxie 500 was last sold in the U.S. in 1974, but was unlikely to be a cop car because the Custom and Custom 500 were of a cheaper trim (with enhancements for police/fire duties). Replica clones of cop cars were made for movies/TV shows and then later as novelties...but were unauthentic in their interior trim/external badging.
I caught that as well
Correct, Custom 500 remained from '75 to 78 as a base model in fleet/service order.
I had a 1981 Olds Tornado XSC . I have yet to find another. But it had a lot of options I never found in a Eldorado or Rivera of the same year.
Great video! You left out a relevant LTD information history of the cars produced by Ford in Brazil from 1969 to 1977, the 500, the LTD and from 1977 to 1982 the Landau.
take a look at the ford explorer sport trac next!
Aw I loved mine!
Worked with Dick Ziker. He's the one that drove the wagon off the ramp in Vacation. Great guy
Would love to see a video on this channel of the ford falcon or Holden commodore ect. Would be interesting to see a video of these cars in the eyes of an American consumer
On april 29th 1976, a bought a brand new mercury cougar. Five weeks later I got married. 46 years later I still have the car and still have the wife. And they are both in good shape yet.
The last BIG Cougar, similar to the Ford Elite.
You're a lucky man.
Great work Sir thank you
I had a 1984 LTD wagon. It was actually based on the Ford Fox body of the Fairmont.
Friend of mine in high school had a 72 LTD.
We called it Lemon To Drive.
He neutral dropped it in the school parking lot and blew the drive shaft.
It was hysterical.
Many more neutral drops and the transmission died.
He junked it after that.
Those massive over hanging front & rear of cars of the 1970’s would have its own area code.
Great information, as always.
One of two cars I owned (the other was Olds 98) that you could put a 55 gal. drum in the trunk and close the lid! Huge cars with a smooth floaty ride and room for 6 people, but they cornered like a cannonball.
Woof. The LTD II between the B and C pillars look like two separate groups designed it.
I'm 25 and from America, I have a 2017 Suburban Premier. Love it, and unlike most Americans, I tow with it constantly. 29 times in the last 2 years. American trucks are still great value for the tech and maintenance costs. I have digital display with Android Auto, digital cluster, HUD, etc. However I am fully aware it is almost a privilege to have access to thess kinds of luxury/executive class large vehicles here, european roads, infastructure, fuel cost and taxes. The question must be presented; would you europeans want easier access to these large vehicles given your geological location?
I had a 1977 Lincoln Town car, beautiful Bought it in 2006 with 20k miles like New and fun to drive!
Great episode!
Land Yachts. Used to cruise around in a 72 Pontiac Catalina in HS. 400ci sled..Was like riding on a down pillow.
Ya never mentioned the "Uncle Buck" car with John Candy. 😆
I had always assumed it was short for Limited as well.
ltd 2 was kinda like a cougar. county squire had that real wood. 1980s ltd was nice.
Imagine if Ford made an LTD LTD
I see a Fox body LTD, I think of “The Parking Garage” episode of Seinfeld. In the very last scene, when they’re about to leave, it won’t start. Apparently, that wasn’t intentional.
I learned as a kid that LTD was an acronym for “Lincoln Towncar Division”. I am from Down Under
I had the smaller 83 Mercury Marquis for 10 years. I was sorry to see it go.
I had a used 1976 LTD that had a 8track player and the previous owner had gotten an 8: track tape stuck in the player. The car eventually got a hole in the floor and I covered it with plywood and drove it until the gas tank began to leak. I traded it for a Dodge caravan.
So many memories!
I owned and drove an original 1975 Australian Ford LTD for 23 years.
I thought that LTD stood for Lincoln Thunderbird Division.
2:18 they also didn't change the name of the Crown Vic.
3rd time I've watched this video, and I pick up on more trivia every time!
good work
The (small) Ford LTD (1983-1986) was also known as the Taxi and Police car in GTA Vice City (Stories).
It almost looked IDENTICAL to the original - aside the lack of the Ford badge. And the rear lights were head over heels...
We always called them the "Lettuce and Tomatoes Deluxe"
LTD :
LUXURY THEME DESIGN.
Ranchero and El Camino MOC episode please!
Some people in Australia thought it meant Luxury Transport Department.
The mid 60's 7 litre LTD was a real Turnpike Cruiser, the 428 was much stronger than the FE 390. By 1972, the power was gone.
Love these land yatchs
You forgot the Panther bodied LTD-S model with the unique single headlight front end. Otherwise, fantastic video!
Lincoln Trimmed Down
Please Do a video on the Ford Explorer sport trac pickup
I always understood the LTD to mean that the car was built in the Lincoln Thunderbird Division of FoMoCo.
Great video! I have 1967 LTD. It’s really a great car.