What was the Ford version of the Mercury Marquis?
The Mercury Marquis was a popular full-size car produced by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. Known for its luxury and comfort, the Marquis was a staple of the Mercury lineup for decades. But did you know that Ford had its own version of this iconic vehicle? In this article, we’ll explore the Ford counterpart to the Mercury Marquis and what made it stand out.
The Ford LTD: A Twin to the Mercury Marquis
The Ford version of the Mercury Marquis was the Ford LTD. Introduced in 1965, the Ford LTD was designed to offer a similar level of luxury and performance as the Mercury Marquis but under the Ford brand. Both vehicles shared many components, including their chassis, engines, and overall design, but they were marketed to slightly different audiences.
Key Features of the Ford LTD
While the Ford LTD and Mercury Marquis were closely related, the LTD had its own unique features that appealed to Ford customers. Here are some of the highlights:
- Design: The Ford LTD featured a more conservative design compared to the Mercury Marquis, which often had more ornate styling details.
- Price Point: The LTD was typically priced slightly lower than the Marquis, making it a more affordable option for buyers seeking luxury.
- Trim Levels: The LTD offered a variety of trim levels, including the LTD Brougham and LTD Landau, which provided different levels of luxury and features.
- Engine Options: Both the LTD and Marquis shared a range of powerful V8 engines, ensuring strong performance for drivers.
These features made the Ford LTD a popular choice for customers who wanted a luxurious driving experience without stepping into the Mercury lineup.
Evolution of the Ford LTD
Over the years, the Ford LTD underwent several changes to keep up with evolving market demands. By the 1980s, the LTD nameplate was used for mid-size cars, while the full-size models were rebranded as the Ford Crown Victoria. Despite these changes, the LTD remained a significant part of Ford’s history and a close sibling to the Mercury Marquis.
Conclusion
The Ford LTD and Mercury Marquis were two sides of the same coin, offering luxury and performance to different segments of the market. While the Marquis catered to Mercury’s more upscale audience, the LTD provided a similar experience at a more accessible price point. Together, they represent a fascinating chapter in the history of American automobiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mercury version of the Ford Ltd?
Mercury Marquis
Mercury Marquis. The Mercury Marquis is a model line of automobiles marketed by Mercury from 1967 to 1986. Deriving its name from a title of French nobility, the Marquis was introduced as the divisional counterpart of the Ford LTD; four generations of the two model lines were paired through rebranding.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Mariner?
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Mariner Hybrid powertrain was identical to its sibling, the Ford Escape Hybrid.
What is the Ford version of the Lincoln Navigator?
the Ford Expedition
Sold primarily in North America, the Navigator is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Expedition. It is the heaviest production Lincoln ever built, and is also the Lincoln with the greatest cargo capacity and the first non-limousine Lincoln to offer seating for more than six people.
What is the Mercury version of the Ford Falcon?
Comet
The Comet was initially based on the compact Ford Falcon, then on the intermediate Ford Fairlane, and finally on the compact Ford Maverick. Early Comets received better-grade interior trim than concurrent Falcons, and a slightly longer wheelbase.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Marquis?
Alongside the extensive downsizing of the model line, the Ford LTD Crown Victoria was introduced for the 1980 model year, serving as the first direct divisional counterpart of the Grand Marquis.
What was the last Ford Mercury?
Production of Mercury vehicles ceased in all markets during the fourth quarter of 2010, with the final Mercury automobile, a Grand Marquis, rolling off the assembly line on January 4, 2011.
What replaced the Ford Taurus?
Freestyle
Largely marketed as the successor to the Ford Taurus station wagon, the Freestyle was the CUV counterpart of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego four-door sedans.
What did Ford replace the Crown Victoria with?
Ford Taurus
A 2012 Crown Victoria (intended for Middle East export) was the final vehicle produced by the facility. Following the discontinuation of the model line, the Crown Victoria was not directly replaced, with the full-size Ford Taurus serving as the next basis for Ford police cars.
Was there a Mercury version of the Ford Maverick?
The Maverick Grabber is now considered ed its own model. Now and Mercury has an equivalent of it called a Comet GT. Both were basically sporty trim packages. But the Grabber did give you 14-in wheels
Why was the Ford Crown Victoria discontinued?
These large body-on-frame sedans simply weren't popular enough for the automakers to keep investing in the platform. The Crown Vic in particular had some engineering safety issues and lawsuits that most likely also encouraged Ford to scrap it. Probably safety, changing customer trends, and emissions.
