1978 Ford LTD

1978 Ford LTD II 2 Door Hardtop 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 IIs were offered in both a Sports Appearance Package and a Sports Touring package and thats what we have here. Numbers are somewhat vague, but its 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, its 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 70s 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 70s 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 thats 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. Its 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 youll have to rely on the dramatic paint scheme to get peoples 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. The family preserved this car in hopes that one day, a Ford enthusiast would see it and have to have it. This is indeed a rare and unusual Ford but a fantastic tribute to the 70s in every way, from the big V8, simple interior, and flashy paint. What seemed perfectly normal in 1978 turns some heads today and stands out as a unique survivor of the times. 8A30H253122 8-1978 A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant 30-LTD II 2 Door Hardtop H-351ci 2bbl V8 253122-Sequential Unit Number Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!