Powerful and spacious, the mid-size Ford LTD II was produced and manufactured by Ford Motor Company for 3 years from 1977 to 1979. It was built based on the Ford Torino—an intermediate and upscale car that was manufactured from 1968 to 1976. Here’s a quick look at the changes and transformations of the LTD II during its short, 3-year run.

Design and production

The Ford LTD II shares the same platform with the downsized Ford Thunderbird. It also replaced the two-door hardtops in Ford’s vehicle lineup—Elite and Torino. At first glance, it’s easy to see that the LTD II was styled like its larger contemporaries—the LTD models—having similar dimensions, a squared off grille, distinct body lines, and a long hood design. LTD IIs were introduced to the market in 1977 and it was initially made available in three body styles—a two door coupe, four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon. The two-door coupe had a 114-inch wheelbase while the other four-door models were furnished 118 inches long wheelbases. It was also available in three trim levels—S (budget level), base, and Brougham (luxury level) models. Aside from replacing the Ford Elite and Torino, the LTD II model was also developed to keep the tradition of excellent workmanship present in all other LTDs and to keep the sporty spirit of the Ford Mustang alive.

Engine and transmission

All Ford LTD models were powered by the following V8 engines: 302 CID Windsor, 351 CID Modified, 351 CID Windsor, and 400 CID Cleveland. In terms of transmission, it was equipped with either a 3-speed C4 or 3-speed Ford FMX automatic transmission system. Aside from its amazing powertrain, it was also furnished with power steering and brakes and steel-belted radial ply tires.

Minor changes

The station wagon body style shares its platform with the Ford Ranchero; however, it was only available in 1977 and it was already dropped from the LTD II lineup the following year. It was replaced by the station wagon in the new Ford Fairmont’s lineup. Even if the station wagon was dropped from the lineup, the S, base, and Brougham models continued to be produced. In 1978, Broughams were furnished with a full-length side body trim strip, which made it stand out from other LTD IIs.

Sales and reception

On its first year, the LTD II was well-received and sales were considerably high. However, its sales figures immediately dropped in its last two years due to the emergence of downsized intermediate models from competitor brands like General Motors and Chrysler. In 1979, the LTD II was dropped but it was never formally replaced by another model. Ford only downsized its LTD models to have a body similar to the LTD II, and buyers choose this newly downsized car that was equipped with the Panther chassis.

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