| Ford LTD | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:77FordLTD_(cropped).jpg) 1977 Ford LTD 4-door pillared hardtop | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Model years | 1965–1986 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size (1965–1982) Mid-size (1983–1986) |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Ford LTD Crown Victoria (for full-size LTD) Ford Taurus (for mid-size LTD) |
The Ford LTD (pronounced ell-TEE-dee) is a range of automobiles manufactured by Ford for the 1965 to 1986 model years. Introduced as the highest trim level of the full-size Ford model range (then the Ford Galaxie 500), the LTD moved the Ford range upmarket, offering options and features previously reserved for Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. For much of its production life, the LTD competed against the Chevrolet Caprice (atop the Chevrolet Impala); the Mercury Marquis served as its divisional counterpart from 1967 until 1986.
For its first three generations, the LTD served as the largest Ford vehicle in North America. Initially debuting as a two-door and four-door hardtop sedans, the LTD range at various times would also include two-door and four-door pillared sedans, a two-door convertible, and a five-door station wagon (in woodgrain trim, as the LTD Country Squire). In South America, Ford manufactured the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 into the 1980s using the Ford LTD nameplate.
From 1977 to 1979, the full-size LTD was joined by the intermediate-segment Ford LTD II (replacing the Ford Torino/Gran Torino range). For 1979, the LTD was downsized; while remaining a full-size car, it became externally smaller than the LTD II. For 1983, the LTD became a mid-size car as it replaced the Ford Granada, with the previous full-size car renamed the Ford LTD Crown Victoria (renamed Ford Crown Victoria for 1992).
For 1986, the mid-size LTD was replaced by the Ford Taurus as Ford expanded its use of front-wheel drive vehicles, with both lines sold for 1986.