What year did the Ford LTD 2 come out?
The Ford LTD II first appeared in 1977 as a 1977 model year, and was produced until 1979.
In the late 1970s, Ford pursued a mid-size, personal-luxury offering to complement its full-size LTD lineup. The LTD II was introduced as part of that strategy, then retired after a three-year run as market tastes and corporate branding shifted in the wake of the oil crisis and evolving automotive design.
Origins and market context
To understand the LTD II’s arrival, it helps to know the broader context: American automakers were tightening fleets and rethinking size and efficiency. Ford sought a compromise between the roomy classic LTD and newer, more nimble mid-size cars, aiming to capture buyers who wanted luxury cues in a slightly smaller, more economical package.
Design approach and positioning
The LTD II adopted a personal-luxury stance that emphasized styling, comfort, and equipment over sheer size. It offered several body styles, including two- and four-door configurations, and could be equipped with V8 power to satisfy performance-minded buyers.
Release year and production window
Here is a concise look at when the LTD II was available on the market and how long it remained in Ford’s lineup.
- Introduced for the 1977 model year, marking its official market debut.
- Continued through the 1978 model year with ongoing options and trims.
- Produced until the end of the 1979 model year, after which Ford restructured the lineup in that segment.
The LTD II’s three-year run—from 1977 to 1979—reflects a brief but notable experiment in Ford’s strategy to blend size, luxury, and efficiency during a challenging era for American automakers.
Legacy and aftereffects
After 1979, Ford shifted its naming and platform strategy for large personal-luxury and family cars. The LTD II era left a mark as a transitional model that showcased how manufacturers balanced consumer nostalgia for full-size comfort with the era’s push toward smaller, more economical designs.
What this means in context
For collectors and historians, the LTD II remains a distinctive chapter in Ford’s history, illustrating a moment when automotive design briefly flirted with a mid-size, luxury-oriented approach before the market and branding settled into different directions for the 1980s.
Summary
In short, the Ford LTD II debuted for the 1977 model year and lasted through 1979, marking a compact three-year run in Ford’s lineup during a transformative period for American cars.
What year did the LTD. 2 come out?
1977
The Ford LTD II is an automobile produced and marketed by Ford Motor Company between 1977 and 1979 in the United States and Canada.
How much horsepower does a 1977 Ford LTD 2 have?
The base 302 V8 produced just 130 hp while the 400 offered 173 hp, but the 400 was discontinued for 1979. While the LTD didn't offer traditional big-car horsepower, it did provide a wealth of big-car luxury features, including a variety of interior combinations.
How much is a Ford LTD 2?
A: The average price of a Ford LTD II is $12,864.
What does LTD stand for Ford?
The meaning of the Ford LTD nameplate is officially unclear, but common speculation includes "Luxury Trim Decor" or simply "Limited". However, some sources suggest the letters were meaningless, a marketing decision to avoid a copyright conflict with Chrysler's use of "Limited". In Australia, it was promoted as "Lincoln Type Design" for marketing purposes, but this was not an official North American meaning.
- No official meaning: Ford has never officially clarified what the letters stand for.
- Early speculation: One early review suggested the letters meant nothing at all.
- Commonly assumed meaning: "Limited" was the most obvious assumption, but this was potentially problematic because Chrysler already used the term "Limited".
- Other theories:
- "Luxury Trim Decor"
- "Lincoln Type Design" was used in Australia for local marketing to evoke a sense of luxury.
