In the early 1970s, Ford Australia (which had introduced the LTD name on RHD-converted Galaxies in 1969, moving it to locally-produced Fairlanes in mid-1973) had adapted the moniker as "Lincoln Type Design", to build up Lincoln-like exclusivity and design influence of its Falcon-based LTD luxury car (As of current production, Lincoln has never been sold in Australia on an official basis).

[1][2] In North American sales literature, there is no evidence of LTD used as "Lincoln Type Design" or as an abbreviation for anything else in brochures or advertising copy.

The original Car Life review at the time the first Galaxie 500 LTD was released suggests that "LTD" stood for nothing and was ambiguous in meaning.

It featured a plush cloth interior with woodgrain accents, along with contoured seats and door panels not found on other full size Ford models.

[4] The launch of the LTD triggered responses from rivals, starting with a mid-year introduction by Chevrolet of its top of the line Caprice.

[6] To comply with federally-mandated safety regulations, the LTD received a padded steering wheel center hub, non-protruding instrument panel knobs, a dual-circuit brake master cylinder, four-way hazard flashers, and front outboard shoulder belt mounting points.

Serving largely as a preview of the upcoming major redesign, the 1968 LTD adopted several minor revisions of its own.

The system was operated by engine vacuum, with the headlamp doors retracting upwards in the case of failure.

It shared a largely carryover chassis with all full-size Ford sedans, with the wheelbase lengthened by two inches.

An all-new body features a split grille with a horizontal center divider (shared with XLs and Country Squires).

[8] The full-sized Fords remained strong sellers each year during this period, due to their high comfort, sound engines, good build quality and reasonable cost.

With its own downsized full-size product lines remaining two years away, Ford responded by introducing the "Trim Size" Ford LTD II, a substantial exterior revision of the Torino/Gran Torino, nearly matching the Chevrolet Caprice in its exterior dimensions.

Alongside the Mercury Marquis, the LTD marked the launch of the rear-wheel drive Ford Panther platform.

In line with the GM downsizing, the Panther platform introduced trimmer body profiles, better handling (from lower curb weight), and better fuel economy (to comply with the introduction of CAFE standards).

For 1981, a 4.2 L variant of the 5.0 L V8 was made standard (intended to further improve CAFE fuel economy), with the larger V8s remaining as a options.

The Lincoln-style hood ornament of 1979 was replaced by a horizontal design used through 1987 (used only on LTD Crown Victoria trims).

[13][14] The standard-equipment 4.2 L V8 was in its final year, with Ford dropping the 5.8 L V8 from retail sale (now sold exclusively with police cars).

From 1981 to 1983, Ford underwent a major revision of its full-size and mid-size product lines, involving all three of its divisions.

[17] The buyer received a standard split-bench front seats, while fabric coverings replaced much of the vinyl from the Granada.

Ford's "Tripminder" trip computer was a novel option, allowing the driver to monitor fuel consumption, average speed, and various other functions.

In contrast to both the Granada and the full-size LTD, the fourth-generation LTD was sold as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon (no two-door versions were offered).

[20] For 1984, both engines gained central point fuel injection in the United States[20] (the Canadian-market V6 remained carbureted until 1986).

Along with minor changes to the taillamps, the LTD received a new grille, distinguished by a centered Ford Blue Oval emblem.

[22][23] Mercury's counterpart to the LX, the Marquis LTS, was available only in Canada and only in the 1985 model year, with 134 produced.

Featuring bigger sway bars and brakes, it also included bench seats with an automatic trunk opener located underneath the steering wheel.

[citation needed] Production Figures: The LTD was built locally in Brazil between 1967 and 1981, based on the 1966 Galaxie platform.

Over 85,000 LTDs were assembled in the Ford plant of Valencia, Venezuela, some for export to Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.