Engine - 390 cubic-inch V8
Transmission - 3-speed automatic
Horsepower - 265 at 4,400 rpm
Production - 46,445 six-passenger wagons

“It’s the Going Thing!”

For the 1969 model year, a new generation of Ford and Mercury automobiles were introduced. Station wagons for both brands were built on a newly elongated 121-inch wheelbase, shared with the Ford sedan line. As part of a consolidation effort, Ford's station wagons and sedans were no longer distinct model lines. After adding LTD badging to the hood in 1968, the Country Squire wagon was introduced as the top-tier offering in the 1969 lineup, positioned above the Galaxie Country Sedan and Custom 500 Ranch Wagon. The Ford marketing team initially used the "Country Squire" designation for their station wagon models starting in the 1950 model year, distinguishing them from lower-trim variants by their simulated wood exterior paneling. As a premium model for Ford, the LTD adopted a sculpted, long, low, wide appearance that replaced the boxy styling of the previous decade. Its "Magic Doorgate" tailgate was also updated to an innovative 3-way design, allowing it to swing down like a traditional tailgate or swing out with the window up or down. Overall, the Ford LTD had an upscale presence and enjoyed strong sales while in production.

Although the LTD was technically a sub-model of the Galaxie 500 series, the more luxurious interior made it distinctive enough that most consumers viewed it as a standalone offering. The 6-passenger 1969 LTD Country Squire displayed here features the 265 horsepower 390 cubic-inch FE V8 engine, and is finished in Lime Gold Poly, making it the archetypal American station wagon of its era.