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1971 Ford LTD

The 1971 Ford LTD: a big, comfy cruiser! Think 70s Americana – spacious, stylish, and a symbol of that era's prosperity. Its boxy lines and long hood were iconic, offering a plush ride. A popular choice, it cemented Ford's place in automotive history. Think "American Graffiti" cool.

History of 1971 Ford LTD

The 1971 Ford LTD stands tall in the history of American cars. Ford, pushing its way against big players like Chevrolet and Dodge, brought out the LTD as a luxurious full-sized contender. This model wasn't just about going from point A to B; it was an experience. It emerged during a wave where people craved premium features without paying through their nose. The LTD ticked all the boxes with power windows, power seats, and cool air conditioning – features you'd generally find in posh wheels. It swiftly became a link between the no-frills Fords and their plush Lincoln cousins, democratizing luxury across the highway.

The bold front design of the '71 LTD, some might say, borrowed a bit from the divisive Edsel's playbook. Yet, back in the day, critics noticed it as a mark of aggressive evolution, a statement from Ford. And you know what? It worked and how!

Photo of a 1971 Ford LTD

1971 Ford LTD Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Ford LTD Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,746.00

Outstanding

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$29,500

Clean

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$24,400

Average

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$17,500*

Rough

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$8,400

1971 Ford LTD Specs

Body Maker: Ford
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 76H
Length: 216.2 inches
Width: 79.2 inches
Height: 53.6 inches
Wheelbase: 121 inches
Weight: 4,305lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 351 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 & 3 1/2 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 240@4600
Horsepower Rated: 51.2
Torque: 350@2600
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Autolite
Type:
3.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.42 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.61
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.33
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.25 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil link
Service Type: Dual hydraulic
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: G78 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 23 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 1a61H100001
Total Digits:11
Digits 1:Model year
Digits 2:Assembly plant
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6-11:Production number
Black, Light Gold, Medium Blue Metallic, Pastel Blue, Red, White, Medium Brown Metallic, Yellow, Maroon Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Dark Green Metallic, Medium Green Metallic, Gray Gold Metallic, Light Green, Light Pewter Metallic
Convertible: Opt
390 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
400 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
429 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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Detailed Specifications of 1971 Ford LTD

You couldn't just glance at this car and walk away. The '71 LTD flaunted a sturdy build–under the hood, you'd find a 429 cubic inch V8 engine capable of a mean roar down the highways. This beauty could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds, which, let's be honest, was pretty snazzy for a full-sized sedan of its time.

Additionally, its performance wasn't just about raw power. The car's suspension smoothed over bumps, and its steering—like butter—made it feel like you were gliding more than driving. It was the whole package: speed, agility, and comfort rolled into one smooth ride.

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Popular Figures Who Own 1971 Ford LTD

Rod Serling

Rod Serling, the legendary mind behind The Twilight Zone, wasn't just into uncanny tales; he endorsed the 1971 Ford LTD! His involvement in a marketing campaign showed just how revered this car was at the time. The fusion of Serling's mysterious aura and the car's reputation cemented its place in popular culture, demonstrating to the world it wasn't just another drive. The car featured in Diamonds Are Forever, a nod to its suave appeal, elevated its status among collectors and onlookers alike.

Price Records

Price-wise, the LTD's been quite the chameleon. Over the years, auction prices for these classics have swung from about $3,250 to a whopping $30,000. Recent top-dog sales have even touched $17,600, showing its increased desirability among vintage aficionados.

Fun Facts about 1971 Ford LTD

Did you know the 1971 Ford LTD once vied for screen time in shows like "The Dukes of Hazzard"? It popped into pop culture just like that, leaving an indelible mark in viewers' hearts. Beyond the spotlight, the car also found roles as a police interceptor (imagine the thrill!). It housed features catered for the rough road, or in this case, the thrilling chase, reaching top speeds of over 135 mph. It wasn't just a car—it was a character.

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Every detail unfolds like a page in a storybook; ensuring no surprises lurk down the road.

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Explore Ford LTD from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the 1971 Ford LTD, she came in a few different flavors, mechanically speaking. You could get a range of engines, from a smaller displacement V8, maybe a 351 cubic inch, all the way up to a big-block 429. Think of it like choosing your coffee; some people want a quick shot of espresso, others prefer a big, full-bodied brew. Transmission choices were also varied – you had your three-speed automatic, or if you were feeling adventurous (and wanted better fuel economy, let's be honest!), you could snag a three-on-the-tree manual. Suspension was pretty standard fare for the time, fairly typical leaf springs in the rear, and coil springs up front, nothing too fancy. Braking was drum brakes all around, unless you opted for power front disc brakes – a pretty sweet upgrade back then.

Compared to other full-size cars of '71, the LTD was a solid performer. It wasn't a sports car by any stretch of the imagination; nobody's gonna mistake it for a Mustang, you know? However, with the bigger engine options, it had decent acceleration for its size. It wasn't exactly a rocket ship, mind you; think of it more like a comfortable, well-appointed cruiser. Handling? Let's just say it was… manageable. It wasn't exactly known for its nimble handling, not like the smaller, sportier cars. But for its day and age, it was typical for the class; think comfy sofa rather than a sports bucket seat.

The '71 LTD primarily came in two body styles: the two-door hardtop, and the four-door sedan. It was a very common style at the time, so it wasn't out of the ordinary. Think of it as the equivalent of a sedan or a coupe today. There was also a station wagon version which came as a four-door, offering additional cargo space. So, you had your choice depending on how many people and/or cargo you needed to haul around – practicality met classic looks, really.

Owning a classic car is a labor of love – it’s like having a beautiful old dog, full of character and charm, but with a few quirks that may require attention. With the 1971 LTD, rust is a big one; check the usual suspects – rocker panels, lower quarters, and around the wheel wells. Electrical gremlins also pop up now and again, that's usually due to age, plus some wires or connections being slightly dodgy. Plus, those big V8s like their attention; regular maintenance, such as tune-ups and fluid changes, is paramount. It's just like needing regular oil changes for your everyday car, it's good to maintain the engine's life and health; you know it's your baby.

Ah, the million-dollar question! Determining the value of a classic car is tricky; you really need to look at the car's condition, its options, its rarity, and whether it’s been well-maintained. A pristine, numbers-matching example, well, it can fetch a pretty penny; you're talking a respectable sum, even upwards of several thousand depending on how well it's kept. On the other hand, a car needing major work? The value could drop significantly. It's all about condition, so it's best to get a professional appraisal – it is money after all. It's kind of like real estate; location, location, location – for cars it's condition, condition, condition.