8 Reasons Why I Drive a Ford

When talking with other petrol heads, I sometimes am asked why I insist on owning such an ancient, slow car, even though I could get something much cooler with the amount of money I’ve put into my car. I usually don’t have a good answer, but I decided to compile my thoughts into a Reader’s Review. Here are the 8 reasons why I choose to drive my car.

1. Lincoln Styling for your Average Guy

My first ever dream car was the Lincoln Continental Mark V. I saw one at a car show as a little kid, and man, I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful lines on the car! I daydreamed of one day owning one myself. Sadly, I simply cannot afford to own a Mark V with my current income. But I’m happy to settle with an alternative: the Ford LTD. LTD stands for “Lincoln Type Design”, and it does just that: give your everyday American the styling and beauty of a Lincoln, while having a very affordable price tag. Driving the LTD makes me feel like a million bucks, but I don’t actually have to break the bank! Which brings me on to my next point…

2. Low Operating Cost

This car is extremely easy to keep running. Parts here in the states are cheap and plentiful, especially because of the compatibility with most of the Ford lineup from the era. I can’t remember the last time I’ve needed a part that wasn’t available at NAPA, O’Reilly’s, or AutoZone. In addition, because I have a Ford small block V8 and a transmission with overdrive, MPG is pretty awesome at 15 city, 22 highway. Most cars in the 1980’s had carburetors, but this car is blessed with a great sequential EFI system, which is the main reason behind the good mileage. Good job Ford!

3. Ease of Maintenance

In addition to low operating costs, maintenance is a breeze. Front engined, RWD sedans have huuuge engine bays with tons of room to move around. I do most of the work myself on this car. I’ve overhauled the engine and transmission, and I’m in the process of replacing my suspension with polyurethane bushings. All you need to work on these gentle giants is a decent repair manual (Haynes is my favorite) and a lot of patience (aka friends and beer!).

4. Safety

Another big reason I drive this car is because of how safe I feel. CTzens who drive large cars or SUVs may be able to relate. There’s nothing like the feeling of driving huge cars, you feel like you’re in a tank and nothing can hurt you. That’s not too far from the truth! Huge chrome bumpers adorn the front and rear end, supplemented with 5 MPH safety pads and integrated frame-mounted shock absorbers good for 10 MPH. A 3-point shoulder belt holds me tight. I even have power disk brakes up front so I can stop pretty hard for an old car. Also, I have tons of lights on the car, many more than most cars I see. There are no airbags, crumple zones, or anything like that. This is a real body-on-frame car, not the standard unibody common on the road today. Some may argue modern cars have better features, but I feel fine without them. I haven’t been in an accident yet, but I keep my fingers crossed!

5. A Practical Size

The LTD has spacious seating for 6 adults. Most cars nowadays only seat 5, and the rear 3 passengers are bumping elbows. If you really want to go on a road trip, 4 is plenty in most cars! Passengers in the LTD will never have that problem. Also, the trunk is massive and can hold all my stuff. I even carry around two spare tires because I have so much room. When I was thinking about a first car, I really wanted a car that could haul my friends around on road trips, and this one works great for that purpose.

6. Upgradeability/Potential

Unknown to most, these Fords come with some pretty intense upgrading options, if you have the dough. Did you know my 5.0 is very similar to the 5.0 found in the Foxbody-era Mustang? That means I can use many of their bolt-on parts with no modification. Sweet! The LTD even had an optional 5.8 liter engine for police duty, which has similar external dimensions and uses the same engine mounts and bell housing pattern. Upgrading to a 5.8 Windsor is almost plug-and-play. Also, the transmission I have, the Ford AOD, is a rugged, simple beast that can be modified to handle up to 1500 horsepower (from the wizards at Lentech!) Nice to know, even if I don’t ever plan to make that kind of power. The frame is similar to the frame used in modern Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, so I can easily modify the shocks, springs, and everything else to make this boat turn on a dime. Even the rear axle is the famous Ford 8.8, with tons of ratios and LSD options out there for choosing later.

7. Stealth

Because of the massive potential of the power train and chassis, my Ford could one day be a stellar sleeper for the street and strip. All while having a very unassuming appearance in the eyes of the general public. For example, see the 1970 mustang next to my car? The LTD can have the same amount of power, all while weighing 4000 pounds compared to the Mustang’s 3100 pounds. Essentially, my car is an overweight, 4-door mustang. I can make all sorts of power without subjecting myself to extra attention on the road. Just throw on a set of steelies, and most people won’t even glance at the LTD!

8. Family Heritage

The last reason I drive this car is because it has been in my family since new. My late grandfather bought it at a dealership in Missouri, and drove it for almost a decade. When he passed away, it became my grandmother’s car. 4 years ago, she sold it to me, and it’s been my main car ever since. My family has always appreciated Ford cars, and I am continuing the tradition by driving this car. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a love for imports, and I even like Chevrolets, but to me this Ford is special. I will never part with it.

Thanks for reading my long post. Do you have an obsession with your daily driver? Tell me about it!