How long was a Ford LTD?
The Ford LTD’s length varied by year and body style, but most full-size LTDs measured roughly 210 to 226 inches long (about 17.5 to 18.8 feet).
This article examines how the car’s length changed across generations and body styles, and provides guidance on how to determine the exact measurement for a specific model year or configuration.
Length across generations
Over its decades of production, the LTD evolved from Ford’s traditional full-size sedan lineup into several variants. The overall length shifted with design changes, bumper and safety updates, and platform moves. In general, late-1960s versions tended to be among the longest, while some 1980s iterations on newer platforms were shorter but retained a substantial full-size footprint. Wagons, when offered, were typically a few inches longer than their sedan counterparts.
1965–1968: Early era of the full-size LTD
In the mid-to-late 1960s, the LTD sat in Ford’s large-car class, with sedans and wagons occupying a sizable footprint. Lengths for these early LTDs generally landed in the high 200s of inches, with wagons extending a bit further due to their roofline and cargo area. Exact figures varied by body style and trim, but the range remained roughly within the low-to-mid 220s inches for sedans and somewhat longer for wagons.
1969–1978: Peak sizing and design shifts
During this period, the LTD maintained a substantial presence in Ford’s lineup as the company navigated era-wide size expectations and federal bumper standards. The longest variants appeared in certain configurations, often pushing toward the upper end of the earlier range. For many sedans, lengths remained in the 220s to mid-220s inches, with wagons again accounting for a few extra inches.
1980s: Panther-platform era and downsizing trends
In the 1980s, Ford transitioned the LTD onto the Panther platform, which brought a degree of downsizing relative to the 1960s–1970s models. The resulting LTDs tended to be shorter, typically around 210 to 214 inches for sedans, with wagons still longer by a few inches. The overall footprint remained sizable, reflecting the era’s emphasis on roomy interiors while embracing newer engineering standards.
Verifying the exact length for a specific model
Exact measurements depend on the model year, body style (sedan, coupe, wagon), and trim level. To confirm a precise number for a particular Ford LTD, consult year-specific sources such as official Ford brochures, owner's manuals, and reputable car data sites or archives. If you have access to the vehicle, you can also measure bumper-to-bumper or read the data plate in the door jamb for official specifications.
Summary
The Ford LTD spanned several generations and configurations, with lengths generally ranging from about 210 to 226 inches depending on year and body style. For an exact figure, identify the specific year and model and refer to reliable historical references or the vehicle’s documentation.
