Why would you ever consider the Fox-body Ford LTD? They were a visually upgraded Fairmont…just being blunt, but that’s about it. You still got four doors, four-lug hubs, and your choice between a four cylinder, an inline six, a V6, and, if you knew what to ask for between 1984 and 1985, the 5.0L H.O. V8 with the AOD automatic, an honest suspension upgrade that included sway bars and bigger brakes, and a 3.27 Traction-Lok rear end out back. Unless you saw the tachometer in the dash or noticed the red on the body trim, you’d never see that this thing was really the four-door Mustang that Ford could never quite get away with.
The LTD was a stopgap measure. It was the car that occupied the time between the Fairmont and Granada and the front-driver, miracle car Taurus. It was leftovers, reheated and resculpted into something new, but with the LX package (or, if you’re hunting for a real rarity, the “LTS” package on the Marquis), you had a factory sleeper on your hands, and you owe thanks to Bondurant. After placing an order for 5.0/5-speed LTDs for the driving school, Ford executives liked the result. Shame they insisted on keeping the AOD automatic, but it was the 1980s…just be happy they even green-lit this project, considering at this time they were seriously mulling over turning the Mustang into a front-drive sport coupe.
Inside and out, unless you know what you’re looking for, there is nothing to give this car away. It’s pure 1980s Ford, and if you remove the fog lights and run the stock wheels, it looks like Grandma’s car is finally coming out of the garage for the first time in years. We’d immediately start hitting up every Mustang parts shop around for upgrades, prepare for the five-lug swap, and start hunting brake upgrade kits. Can you say “family hot rod”? We can…especially if you take the time and convert the car to a five-speed! Yeah, hacking up a one of 3,260 car might be heresy to some automotive groups, but be real…who is going nuts for a purely stock 1985 LTD?
Craigslist Find: 1985 Ford LTD LX
For the ultimate game of hide-the-Mustang, attach the body to a suitably modified 2016 Shelby floorpan….
I drove some of these while working at a Ford dealership in the mid-80’s. More comfortable than the Fairmont. Also better looking. It does need a 5 spd conversion.
I love these. Great color, too. Rare, sure, but I’d still modify the hell out of it.