1978 Ford LTD

1978 Ford LTD II 2 Door Hardtop A better idea called LTD II. Introduced last year, LTD II is already a resounding success. Even more so than we imagined. Why? Perhaps it's because LTD II is such a unique combination. A mid size car that combines high quality and comfort of LTD with the sport spirit and flair of Mustang II. Ford LTD II, carrying on in the LTD tradition. From the 1978 sales brochure.  For consignment, a 1978 Ford LTD II 2 door hardtop with a title verified 80,730 actual miles. This is a one family car, even as the original couple broke up and the car was stored carefully in a barn for more than 25 years due to its uniqueness and potential value. In '78, LTD II's were offered in both a Sports Appearance Package and a Sports Touring package and that's what we have here. Numbers are somewhat vague, but it's likely there were around 2,900 of each produced in '78 and a Deluxe Marti Report would break it down more specifically.   Exterior Regardless of final production numbers, it's safe to say that today, an example like this is extremely rare. There is a green version but our consignor believes the red is even more uncommon, here as Maroon sandwiching Polar White panels on the body and decklid. B and C pillar treatment was a thing in the 70's and here we have a white C-pillar outlined by the edge of the maroon that flows along the shoulder line and onto the hood reappearing below on the rocker panel. That white space on the pillar allows for a large II to appear for an instantly recognizable profile, helped by 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels with 70 series tires possessing an early 2022 date code. Out back, the Continental like rear fascia includes a red panel that spans the width, visually connecting the vertical tail lights while embedding reflectors and the reverse lights. Imperfections include rust and rust bubbles on lower panels, paint chips at body gaps, touched up chips covering surface rust, and overall light patina of the single stage paint.  Interior 70's styling from Ford begins with red vinyl door panels with an LTD crest, simple, clean and both presenting in good shape. From there, we note the bucket seats with maroon vinyl framing a houndstooth style cloth with ornamental buttons, repeated in back and in nice condition. Patina graces our red plastic steering wheel with some cracks and discoloration and it frames a woodgrain faced dash that's wonderfully basic, with an A/C panel on the lower left and AM/FM radio to the right. A familiar Ford shifter is in the center console along with a slightly aged armrest over nice red, plush carpet and under an intact red headliner. The trunk floor is covered in gray carpet and houses two spares.   Drivetrain A basically original and driver quality appearing 351ci M V8, rated at 152 horsepower and fed fuel via a 2-barrel carburetor.  It's backed by a C4 3-speed automatic that routes power the Ford 9 in back.  Undercarriage Lots of age underneath but no invasive rust was found. Plenty of surfacer rust, some gunk build up on the rear differential, and some oil film on and around the pan. For componentry, we have power disc brakes in front, power drums in back. A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler, dumping in back and out of sight, and suspension consists of coil springs front and rear with a 4 link in back.  Drive-Ability The 351M is a detuned 400 that provides low end torque, and this does just that, opting for off the line performance rather than high revving racing. It may not be as fast as it looks but delivers a luxury car level ride and a view out the front of a long hood also reminiscent of Lincolns. Everything works in the car except the horn, so you'll have to rely on the dramatic paint scheme to get people's attention on the road. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.