One Owner Ford LTD!

[@johnallen-jn2gv]

Wouldn't we all love velour upholstery in our modern cars. The Ford plush seats in those days were the best.

[@markbehr88]

@@johnallen-jn2gv Yes, much better than all that vinyl. 👍

[@tobysemler]

Why do you lot like velour so much?

[@markbehr88]

@@tobysemler It’s not hot to sit on during our summers. 👍

[@tobysemler]

​@@markbehr88good point. I'm not a fan though of how velour and other fabrics absorb sweat and oil and can't be wiped clean 😢

[@markbehr88]

@@tobysemler Fair enough. I am sure you can probably steam clean them? 🤔👍

[@ssadelaidian3811]

Nice to see a Fairlane/LTD of this generation without sagging bumpers. That looks like a young Steven Jacobs sitting in the front seat of the Falcon wagon in the TV commercial.

[@markbehr88]

@@ssadelaidian3811 Could be? 🤔👍

[@classicrestostv1fletch764]

It's the cars you forget about isn't it? When I was a State Sales Rep for Berklee Exhausts, the Victorian Manager visited Sydney driving this exact model LTD. He took us out to lunch, Sydney Manager in front, I sat in the back and admired how nice it was as a brand new LTD then. The 3.9 litre was exactly 1mm less in the bore diameter than a 4.0 litre later on. Would make you wonder why it would even be worth the tooling up by Ford Australia to achieve point 1 (0.1) of an additional litre...it could almost just be a badge adjustment to round up displacement. My last company car (before I became self employed in the early 90's) to cover NSW in was a 3.9 litre EA "S" Pack 5 Speed manual Falcon. I don't know what it was about that car, but even today it would be fast. 170 Kays in 4th was not a problem out West. It was a VERY impressive Six back then. Sales Reps never usually got these cars, it belonged to the company owner, instead of trading it, he handed it to me. Very nice Car David - I love cars that are original and haven't been messed with. Nice to see the factory stereo in place. Love the controls on the rear of the console, very classy. Keep your eye on your radiator & thermostat, the head gaskets on these were their biggest downfalls. Beautiful car... 👍👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Fletch. Great tips re the radiator etc. and love those memories. This is a bit of a time capsule isn’t it?

[@sp19822]

Bob Hawke travelled in one of these.

[@markbehr88]

Is that right? I know he used to drive a P6 LTD when he was trade union leader. 👍

[@jamesdennis2244]

Love these. My mother owned a couple of them when i was young. I learnt to drive in 1989 NA Fairlane. She also owned a 1990 DA LTD when it was only a couple years old, it was ex Premiers car of Tasmania. Love that car

[@markbehr88]

Thanks James. Great memories 👍

[@Bobman84]

Always loved these cars and they were the last true fully velour interiors seen in any Ford product. Velour console complete with velour console lid, in a variety of colours. Full velour door trims as well. Just perfect, compared to the leather/vinyl garbage that's littered in cars today.

[@markbehr88]

And uniquely Australian 👍

[@MitchTube]

We got our first ZF Fairlane 302 “sportsman” edition in 79 or 80. As kids we were blown away with electric windows, “real” air conditioning and lots of space. My mum always said she felt special in that car. We kids loved it for long journeys. Quiet, smooth and comfy.

[@markbehr88]

Very nice car. Was it a green over silver, or a blue over silver or another colour? I have a ZK 302. Not a Sportsman though. I did own a ZH Sportsman years ago. 👍

[@MitchTube]

@@markbehr88 It was an orange/bronze metallic with a beige vinyl roof

[@markbehr88]

@@MitchTube With a cream lower? Back them the Sportsmans were two tone. The vinyl roof option was very rare by then. 👍

[@MitchTube]

@@markbehr88 Found a photo, the vinyl roof was close in colour to the body which was one colour. It had Matt silver mag wheels with fine radiating slots very similar to my orange TE cortina’s gs rally pack wheels

[@michaelcalder9089]

I think you mean ZJ ? that came out 1980, similar later model was the ZK from 1982, of which a few had the last V8. The ZF fairy ( first new shape like the XA)came out 1972 with 302 or 351 V8.

[@markbehr88]

Here is a very original, one owner Ford LTD. Watch the video to see the link to the Ford Taurus. What do you think? Please give David’s LTD a 👍 Thumbs up and don’t forget to Subscribe. Thanks for watching 👍

[@grantharrison5307]

Great car, walked past Osbourne park Ford other day. Yard was just Rangers & Everests so boring. How lucky were we home grown beasts like this.

[@markbehr88]

@@grantharrison5307 Agree. Boring now. That’s why I love making these episodes. 👍

[@markhooper1352]

Another great presentation thanks Mark! Such an elegant and supremely comfortable motor car for Australian distances and roads. The Fairlane and LTD really had no competition did they. Both hit the mark spot on and dominated their class for city and country folk alike. Gorgeous cars!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Mark. That’s very kind of you. Exactly re Fairlane and LTD. Great styling differentiation from Falcon and rugged enough for the bush but smooth enough for the luxury buyers expected. When it comes to our Aussie cars - the loss of our industry is still a bitter pill to swallow. That’s why I like to tell these stories.

[@markhooper1352]

Yes indeed Mark, a very bitter pill to swallow. Fairlane and LTD each hold a very special place in Aussie's hearts. Its up to us to keep them alive in our memories, in museums and at car shows as best we can, as their custodians 👍

[@markbehr88]

For sure Mark. I am doing my part with my ZH, ZK and AU Fairlanes and I am so glad I have them. @@markhooper1352

[@royferntorp]

Going back through you videos. I love this one because I have always been a fan of the long wheelbase cars. I bought a Brougham, only to realise it was Premier with a longer boot. The I found an HQ Statesman with a 308. Damn thing nearly sent me broke on fuel costs. A ZG Fairlane turned up cheap. Had a Locker, and a 351 with the Autolite 2 barrel. Damn thing cost me less than my Corona. Also. the babies loved that long night drive into the mountains when mum needed a break.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Glad you are enjoying them. Can’t beat the LWB Fords. 👍👍

[@michaelguerin56]

Nice car. Should be a great weekend/holiday ride.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Michael. David will put it on Club rego and use it sparingly. And keep it all original. Thanks for the comments.

[@robertknights1028]

Fabulous car in beautiful condition Mark. Very desirable in my opinion.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much Rob. I hope the mighty Fairlane is doing well? I need to do a ZA and ZB Fairlane episode.

[@robertknights1028]

It's doing really well - it's just had the motor completely reconditioned. That's pretty much the final step in a 23-year rolling restoration. We worked out that the bottom end had never been apart. It's now back with the sparky for some electrical work but after that it's pretty much as done as I can make it for the time being. Would be happy to volunteer it for an episode if you'd like. @@markbehr88

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Rob. What great service that car has given you. I still have my Lincoln MKV, Grand Marquis and LTD from those days too. I’ll definitely do an ep on your car. We can arrange that offline. 👍@@robertknights1028

[@markoastler1592]

Interesting video MB. Just goes to show there are still unrestored, well maintained Aussie gems waiting to be discovered. Nice find David. Your wonderful LTD will clean up beautifully with a thorough detail. Love it.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Mark and it is also a lesson about looking for cars before they hit their high level value. I have done that a few times where the cars are now worth far more as they become increasingly collectible.

[@1983jblack]

I'm American and would have bought this back then and I think so would many more Americans. Nice car

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. I reckon it would have done well in the USA, especially the later V8 ones. 👍

[@icascone]

I love these! It's sad they are not as collectable yet, but good for those who like these and can buy them! I wish I could have one (mainly space constraint now), but I had an uncle that had these and I was 10 and it felt like a real lounge on wheels! He then replaced it with a Lexus in late 90's, it didn't have same affect even if it had leather seats... Only thing I don't like it's that they sit quite high, but later in series were a bit lower I think... Great find!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Ivano. That’s the best time to buy them - before they become too popular.

[@mrozboss]

I always liked the ea series very underated car i owned one of brocks ea falcons it was his personal car yes they had some early teething problems but as aussies we worked them out lol

[@markbehr88]

Wow. I remember those. Very rare these days and collectible. Agree under rated. .

[@robertknights1028]

Bonus marks for the ad at the end of the video mate!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Rob. It adds a period flavour. Appreciate your comments 👍

[@robertknights1028]

Totally agree.@@markbehr88

[@gregharvie3896]

Identical Mark to my old boss John Preston's car same model , same color exactly. I felt a very smart design from Ford Aust' . Crisp, Elegant, Timeless. John updated to the next version with the 5 litre v8 in the same colors.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Greg. That would have been a nice car back in the day for sure.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

You guys get very interesting cars down there compared to where I am in southern California

[@markbehr88]

We do but I like your cars too. The old USA made ones. 👍

[@mg74xbgt]

Nice , we have a DC and an NC , both V8s. Love the Big Girls !!

[@markbehr88]

Glad to hear it 👍

[@phil4977]

Back in the day the Fairlane and LTD were very prestigious and exclusive

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I love those cars. 👍👍

[@gerarddaly3538]

Can’t think the last time I saw one looks good

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Gerard. Agree. It’s nice to see an original one these days.

[@kimbo167]

Glad i came across this video. I just purchased today a 91 LTD. Pick it up tomorrow. Silver with 250k

[@markbehr88]

@@kimbo167 Congratulations. Please subscribe. Plenty of Ford history videos on the channel. 👍

[@kimbo167]

Have done indeed

[@markbehr88]

Thanks 👍

[@jasoncarpp7742]

G'day. Beautiful looking LTD. If only our Ford American LTD were as nice those sold Down Under. 🙂

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Jason. I like yours too. Glad they both exist, but agree I am sure some of ours would have sold well there.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@markbehr88 Probably. I don't know how well our version would've held up to Australian road conditions.

[@markbehr88]

@@jasoncarpp7742 We had the 1964 to 1972 versions here, with heavy duty suspension. They were very well liked. My parents had a 1972 model. If you check out my episode . The Car I’ll never sell” you can see it. 👍

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@markbehr88 I'll check it out.

[@markbehr88]

Keen to hear what you think.

[@chrisF351]

Thats pretty clean, i like it👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Chris 👍

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for sharing this car. It reminds me of the early 1990's ( 1992-1996)Ford Crown Victoria here in the United States. You can see the Ford Taurus influence as well. I know there was a later Australian Ford LTD that looked like the 1988-1993 Lincoln Continental. I wonder which Ford design team influence which Ford design.

[@markbehr88]

Thank you. Having worked with Ford Design team, the US definitely had a strong influence.

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for confirming this information. I know they used many American Ford details and features over the years.

[@markbehr88]

Pleasure. Thanks for the comments 👍@@OLDS98

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 I also know GM/ Holden did it also. There are Holdens that look like Oldsmobiles. I have seen Pontiac, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile details and styling on Holdens as well. Opel was a big influence when they were owned by GM as well. That is what makes the lobal car scene so interesting.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, for sure. The 1995 Statesman had a rear window that looked like it was taken from an Oldsmobile Cutlass. There was a lot of influence for sure.@@OLDS98

[@aussietaipan8700]

I'm fairly sure these models came out with self levelling rear suspension. Most customers who purchased the DA LTD opted for the bonnet badge to be fitted at delivery. 8 out of 10 cars, we had to fit the bonnet emblem.

[@markbehr88]

Yes that’s right re the rear suspension. 👍

[@darrendemello3225]

Interesting to see they reused the XD/XE fan grilles for the rear a/c

[@markbehr88]

Economies of scale required when you produce cars in Australia. Some parts sharing required. 👍

[@danozism]

Great car. I always liked these- they remind me of cool US cars of the era. I assume that's just condensation from the exhaust pipe!

[@markbehr88]

Yes Dan. It had just been washed. Some water up the tail pipe I expect. We didn’t wash it.

[@ckaparos]

Lovely car but I would much prefer the DC LTD with the Windsor being a must for me.

[@markbehr88]

Hi Costa. Yes, I would too, however, David makes Driving Miss Daisy look like a speed demon, so he is quite happy with the 3.9 litre six and this gem was too good to pass up.

[@ckaparos]

Hi Mark, don't get me wrong its still a lovely car all the same and I wouldn't oppose to it sitting in my garage, also its a timeless shape and design and really ahead of its time for Australian engineering and motoring for the era@@markbehr88

[@markbehr88]

I get where you are coming from and I would also only get a V8 but as you say, it is still a cool Aussie classic. @@ckaparos

[@mickwallace9299]

Should clean up nice... Keep an eye on the water expansion tank... Seems to be excessive vapour from exhaust even after it's been running for some time ....I'd be looking for cracked head or head gasket hope I'm wrong . But still a good find .

[@markbehr88]

Thanks for the tip Mick. It had actually just been washed and I think the guy had sprayed water into the tail pipe. Once it hit the freeway it was 100% fine. Will keep aneye on it though. 👍

[@JohnShinn6078]

Not shabby, nope! 🤠👍

[@markbehr88]

It’s a pretty nice example, for sure 👍

[@frankpalermo3882]

Nice looking car compared to the clones of today

[@markbehr88]

Agree. 👍

[@brucescott2263]

They had self levelling suspension, I think.

[@markbehr88]

That’s right. Many people changed it as they used to sag after a while. 👍

[@Alladin-n5j]

I want to get my hands on a Ford Outback ute, as of yet i haven't been able to find one. i need the long range fuel tanks they came out with, im a long way from Port Augusta

[@markbehr88]

@@Alladin-n5j Good luck. I am sure you’ll get one. 👍

[@imidsikkey]

Let your mate know, if he rubs a tiny bit of Vaseline on the steering wheel buttons and the demister, they will come up 100% the next day All the residue will wipe off and it won't be sticky

[@markbehr88]

Thanks for the tip Dimitri. 👍

[@gerarddaly3538]

Love have you driven a ford

[@markbehr88]

Yes, it was a good ad. Showed off the whole range.

[@tom-vx1lp]

Joan kirner drove one of these

[@markbehr88]

@@tom-vx1lp Really. A V8 ? 😀

[@OliverMoore1973]

Missing its little mud flaps ...

[@markbehr88]

Surely a dealer accessory rather than standard fitment?

[@OliverMoore1973]

@@markbehr88 Quite possibly 🤔 And don't call me Shirley. Boom!💥 That old chestnut.

[@markbehr88]

@@OliverMoore1973 😀👍

[@marktiltins8845]

Use to wear a T Shirt that read Have you been drivin by fraud lately , fraud was screen printed like the Ford emblem 😂 You had to look twice

[@markbehr88]

Hi Mark. Now, that would be a collectible! 😀

[@marktiltins8845]

@@markbehr88 got many T Shirts from the 80's and 90's some I haven't worn

[@markbehr88]

Yes. I try to keep mine too. Have a Wally World with Marty the Moose and a cool Chicago Natural History Museum with a Dimetrodon on it (sail back dinosaur). Neither fit now! 😵‍💫@@marktiltins8845

[@marktiltins8845]

@@markbehr88 oh sorry mate I'm talking motor racing T Shirts

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I have a few of those too but also love my old 80’s Tees as well. Nostalgia. 👍@@marktiltins8845

[@tobysemler]

Boggles the mind they thought fit to use black plastic door handles and plastic steering wheel on the 'flagship'. SMH.

[@markbehr88]

@@tobysemler Yes. It was upgraded in later models. Once upon a time heaters were optional too. 👍

[@callumandrews4342]

Great cars, underrated imo, cannot get anything like these new anymore sadly, i own a 1981 Ford FC LTD with black taillights and love it, i also daily a 1990 EA Falcon S pac MPFI, great car!!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Callum. I agree. Nice FC LTD by the way. I would love one of those.