In the heart of the 1960s, the Ford LTD established itself as a symbol of affordable luxury. With its “panty cloth” interior and imposing appearance, it managed to captivate car enthusiasts. But behind this success lies a fascinating story of rivalry and evolution in the world of large sedans.
A significant birth
The Ford LTD was born in 1965, marking the beginning of what could be called the “Brougham era”. This model was the first to offer ostentatious signs of luxury in the affordable sedan category. One of its most memorable features? Its “panty cloth” upholstery, which generated much discussion. Over time, the LTD redefined what it meant to own a “luxurious” large sedan. However, this luxury was soon tarnished by a certain devaluation of the name, as in just thirteen years, all major Ford models, even taxis, bore this emblematic name.
A swift response from Chevrolet
In the face of this rising power, Chevrolet retaliated with the Caprice, launched six months after the LTD. Although the Caprice had a good start, surpassing the LTD in sales during its first full year in 1966, it never reached the same level of recognition and success. This disparity could be attributed to Chevrolet not devaluing its name as quickly as Ford. The numbers speak for themselves: the sales curve of the LTD was significantly more upward.
(Caprice sales in 1970 were likely impacted by a prolonged strike at GM)
Evolution of design and sales
The sales of the LTD truly exploded in 1969, the year the model asserted itself with its own identity. Unlike previous years when the LTD was perceived as a slightly enhanced version of the Galaxy, that year, it was designed to be the star. The distinctive design of its front and hood set it apart from other Ford models, giving it a more prestigious look.
The results are undeniable: the LTD quickly captured nearly the entire market for large Ford sedans. By 1974, the Galaxy had disappeared, and by 1977, it was the turn of the Custom 500. The LTD became the quintessential model of the brand.
The ultimate decline of the name
From 1978 onwards, every large Ford was designated as an LTD, including police cars and taxis. This saturation phenomenon led to a definitive devaluation of the name. Barely two years later, the Crown Victoria appeared, and the name LTD was set aside, just like its predecessors.
Discovering an original model
Recently, I had the opportunity to admire a pristine 1967 model. Its enthusiastic owner revealed to me that he had recently acquired it and still had the original wheels in the boot. He was even considering painting it black. A coat of paint that could erase the authentic charm it currently boasts.
During my visit, I was struck by its original interior, featuring that famous “panty cloth” upholstery. This fabric, both shiny and slippery, evokes an era when synthetic materials were at the forefront of technology. While I do not know the origin of the term “panty cloth”, it must be admitted that it fits perfectly.
Performance and engine
This model is equipped with a 390 engine, but I did not have time to ask for the exact version: 270 horsepower with a two-barrel carburettor or 315 horsepower with a four-barrel. In any case, this car is designed for leisurely family drives. For thrill-seekers, a 427 engine, offering up to 425 horsepower, was also available at the time.
A mixed assessment
Ultimately, the 1967 Ford LTD is much more than just a car. It is a testament to an era when accessible luxury met impressive performance. Although its name has experienced some devaluation over the years, its legacy endures in the hearts of car enthusiasts. If you are curious to learn more about these iconic models, do not hesitate to explore our dedicated section on automotive passion and collection.
