How long is a Ford LTD?
The Ford LTD does not have a single fixed length. Across its generations, these full-size sedans ranged roughly from about 210 to 230 inches in overall length (approximately 17.5 to 19.2 feet), with some variation by year, body style, and trim level.
Historically, the Ford LTD was produced across multiple generations from the mid-1960s through the 1980s, and its length was influenced by design shifts, federal bumpers, and platform changes. Because there were several distinct LTD-era models and related variants, measuring a specific car requires year-by-year confirmation. The following overview summarizes typical overall lengths by era to give a sense of scale.
Length by era and variant (typical ranges)
The following ranges represent common overall lengths for main LTD variants, acknowledging that exact figures depend on year, body style (sedan, hardtop, etc.), and trim.
- 1965–1968: roughly 210–223 inches in overall length; wheelbase typically around 116 inches.
- 1969–1978: roughly 221–231 inches in overall length; wheelbase still near 116 inches for most body styles.
- 1979–1986: roughly 216–230 inches in overall length as the model evolved (including the LTD II period); wheelbases remained in the low to mid‑116 inches for many variants.
Across these eras, federal safety and bumper regulations, plus styling shifts, can cause noticeable differences from one year to the next. In practical terms, most full‑size LTDs from these generations measure within the 210–230 inch range, with suburban and luxury variants sometimes approaching the upper end of that spectrum.
Is there a current Ford LTD?
No. The Ford LTD name is not used on a current production model. The badge has been retired for several decades, and Ford’s present lineup does not include a standalone LTD sedan. In the era after the classic LTD, branding moved through other full-size offerings (such as the Crown Victoria lineage) before Ford ultimately discontinued those models as well. Today, there is no active Ford model carrying the LTD designation.
How to verify the exact length of a specific Ford LTD
Because length varies by year and body style, check the precise specification for the exact car you own or are researching. The most reliable sources are the original factory specifications, official brochures for the model year, and reputable automotive reference databases. If you have access to the vehicle itself, you can also measure the overall length from the front bumper to the rear bumper using a tape measure and a friend to assist—though for historical data, the published figures are usually preferred.
Summary
In short, a Ford LTD isn’t a single, uniform length. Across its span from the mid‑1960s through the 1980s, the LTD typically occupied a length in the 210–230 inch range, with specific inches varying by year and configuration. There is currently no active LTD model in Ford’s lineup, and anyone seeking the exact measurement for a particular car should consult year‑specific factory data or reliable reference sources.
How long was a Ford LTD?
| Ford LTD II | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 114 in (2,896 mm) (coupe) 118 in (2,997 mm) (sedan/wagon) |
| Length | 215.5 in (5,474 mm) (coupe) 219.5 in (5,575 mm) (sedan) 223.1 in (5,667 mm) (wagon) |
| Width | 78.0 in (1,981 mm) |
| Height | 52.6 in (1,336 mm) (coupe) 53.3 in (1,354 mm) (sedan) 54.9 in (1,390 mm) (wagon) |
How long is a 1977 Ford LTD?
(base), 5.8L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Ford LTD Height | 1380 mm | 4 ft 6 in |
| Ford LTD Width | 1900 mm | 6 ft 3 in |
| Ford LTD Length | 5180 mm | 16 ft 12 in |
| Ford LTD Ground clearance unladen | 165 mm | 6 in |
What does LTD stand for Ford?
The meaning of the Ford LTD designation is officially ambiguous and was never fully defined by Ford, with the first review stating it stood for nothing. However, it has been widely speculated to mean "Luxury Trim Decor," "Limited," or "Lincoln Type Design," especially in Australia. For the 1965 model's debut, Ford did not provide a meaning, leading to the speculation.
- "Luxury Trim Decor": A popular theory suggesting the name reflects the car's high-end features and luxurious positioning as the top trim for the Ford Galaxie.
- "Limited": Another common guess, implying the car is a limited or exclusive model, though at the time, Chrysler was already using the "Limited" name and had a copyright on it, which may have prevented Ford from using it officially.
- "Lincoln Type Design": A meaning used specifically in Ford's Australian marketing to imply a connection to the Lincoln brand's luxury and design, as actual Lincoln models were not sold in that market.
- "Nothing": The most historically accurate answer is that the letters have no official meaning and were just a marketing name, a practice now common with other brands like Lincoln.
How long is a 1973 Ford LTD 2 door?
Solid, heavy and large, with a 121-inch wheelbase and overall length of 219.5 inches. To put that in perspective, a 2022 Lincoln Navigator is 210 inches long. Ford had a good year in 1973.
