1971 Ford LTD Wagon

Description

If you were around in the '70s when funky wagons like this 1971 Ford LTD were the coolest thing in parts chasers, then this car will definitely talk to you. Better yet, it packs a thumping 429 cubic inch V8 and a nostalgic look that's all about an era that we may never see again. This is what having fun in old cars is all about.

The big Ford wagons were handsome in their own right, with a long nose, chiseled features, and a bit of a kick-up behind the rear doors that made it seem sporting, not bloated. Add in a lean greenhouse that almost seemed chopped compared to some of the GM and Chrysler wagons, and you get a hauler that's not suburban but suburban commando. This one obviously wore wood on its flanks originally, as you can see the bright red outline of the panels still in place on the satin black bodywork. It's quite clean, suggesting a car that has lived someplace warm all its life, and we can't find many faults beyond the fact that it was intentionally built to look this way. Some period-correct decals add to the Hot Wheels look that takes you back to your childhood and even the factory chrome is pretty decent. There's a luggage rack up top, which should be standard on any vintage wagon, and a trailer hitch out back to make it practical. If you're a wagon guy, there's no way you don't think this is cool.

Remarkably enough, the interior appears to be almost entirely original and it's in fantastic shape. Those bench seats look wide enough for a football team and the vinyl upholstery should wear like iron, so don't be afraid to go to work. Nice door panels remind you that the Country Squire was actually Ford's top-of-the-line in 1971 and there's faux wood on the inside to make up for the stuff that was removed outside. The dash pad and steering wheel have some cracks, but those are really the lone demerits in a rather well-preserved interior. It also carries factory A/C (needs to be serviced) and its original AM/FM radio, so it could be a first-rate long-distance cruiser. Rear seat space is impressive and there's enough room in the cargo bay to haul all your gear to and from the swap meet or drag strip.

That hauling will be effortless thanks to the numbers matching 429 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Wearing a factory 4-barrel carburetor, it makes the kind of torque that will get a lot of work done and is very entertaining under your right foot. It sure look original under the hood, although there's plenty of evidence of routine service, including new plug wires, a recent brake master cylinder, new motor mounts, and a fresh starter. That appears to be original Ford Blue engine enamel in there, and with some cleaning it could look a lot better, although that might detract from the busted-knuckle look the car enjoys. It also uses a C6 3-speed automatic transmission to make it easy for anyone to handle and, of course, power steering and brakes are part of the equation. A newer Flowmaster exhaust gives it a distinctly non-station-wagon sound and it really is clean underneath, as you can see. The stance is just about right, augmented by a set of polished Torque Thrust wheels and staggered 225/75/15 front and 255/70/15 rear blackwall radials.

This is another one of those cool cruisers that can really stand out in a crowd yet not break the bank. The fact that it's also practical is merely icing on the cake. Call today!