Car collectors in many parts of the country have put away their convertibles, under covers and connected them to battery tenders for a winter hibernation until sometime next spring. But in some coastal and southern regions, drop-top season is still in full swing.
The Pick of the Day is a 1972 Ford LTD Convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in San Luis Obispo, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
“The 1969-1978 second-generation LTD became the second best-selling model in Ford’s history after the venerable Model T,” the listing begins. “Relatively few survive today, making this stunning LTD convertible a very interesting and uncommon find.”
Without a doubt, as the seller says, the Model T was a worldwide success (selling over 16 million units between 1908 and 1927). Another heavy hitter, the Ford F-Series truck (now in its 14th generation), has sold over 40 million. However, one could argue that the Model T kept largely consistent equipment and design over its lifespan, whereas the F-Series has evolved through multiple body styles, payloads, and drivetrains over the years. Either way, Ford has hit some home runs.
There is some ambiguity as to how the LTD name actually came about. The abbreviation conveys a “Limited” connotation, although some speculate that it stood for Luxury Trim Décor or even Lincoln Type Design. Regardless, the LTD was a popular car for its time, and when it launched in 1965, it slotted as the highest trim level of the Ford full-size model range.
Today’s feature car comes from the second generation which came out in 1969. Compared to prior models, its wheelbase had been stretched by two inches to a total of 121 inches. The engineering changes for 1971 and 1972 were primarily cosmetic in nature. The 1972 models received redesigned front and rear bumpers – that year would mark the final year for the LTD convertible. According to a story from 2017, there were a total of 4,234 convertibles produced for 1972.
One thing that caught my eye was the blue California license plate that today’s car is wearing. This online resource contains a pictorial chronology of California plates. The blue background and yellow font design lasted from 1969 through 1986, so it is indeed period-correct for this 1972 LTD.
Perhaps you live in a region where convertibles can be enjoyed year-round. If so, check this thing out!
The asking price is $14,950 or best offer, which includes original documentation, an owner’s manual, and a warranty plate.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
