Ford LTD II

👉 Ford LTD II: A Brief Overview

The Ford LTD II is an automobile produced and marketed by Ford Motor Company between 1977 and 1979 in the United States and Canada. Deriving its name from the full-sized Ford LTD model line, the intermediate LTD II consolidated the Ford Torino and Gran Torino model lines, with the Ford Elite replaced by the Ford Thunderbird. Here are some key points about this classic car:

➡️Background and Consolidation:

• For the 1977 model year, Ford Motor Company made substantial revisions to its intermediate-segment product lines involving both the Ford and Mercury brands to help boost sales.
• As part of the model changes, several product lines were given midcycle updates. To further revive interest, other model lines were consolidated to reduce internal competition and overlap.
• Central to the model revision was the discontinuation of the Ford Torino, Gran Torino, and Elite.
• While the Torino chassis and body were given extensive updates to extend the lifespan, the Torino became the Ford LTD II (“II” to distinguish the intermediate model line from the full-sized LTD).

➡️Design and Variants:

The LTD II was offered in several body styles:

• Two-door sedan: A sleek and elegant option.
• Four-door sedan: Practical and spacious for family use.
• Five-door station wagon: Including the woodgrained LTD Country Squire, perfect for those who needed extra cargo space.

It served as the Ford counterpart of the Mercury Grand Marquis.

➡️Downsizing and Legacy:

• The design of the Ford LTD II is notable as one of the largest vehicles ever produced as an intermediate, released just as the entire American auto industry began a period of downsizing.
• In terms of exterior footprint compared to full-sized sedans, the LTD II is longer in length and wheelbase and wider than the later Ford LTD Crown Victoria, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Five Hundred, and the Ford Taurus (fifth, sixth, and seventh-generation versions).
• The LTD II left a lasting impact on Ford’s lineup, bridging the gap between mainstream models and luxury offerings.
• It paved the way for successors like the Ford LTD Crown Victoria and eventually the Ford Taurus.

In summary, the Ford LTD II represents an era of classic American automobiles, combining elegance, practicality, and a touch of nostalgia. 🌟