Vehicle 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!