Engine - 351 cubic-inch V8
Transmission - Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Horsepower - 250 at 4,600 rpm
Production - 111,565

“If you’ve never owned a Ford, you’re one of the reasons we built this one!”

The Ford Galaxie LTD, when released in 1965, offered a high-end experience unlike any previous Ford model. By this time, Ford Motor Company had invested significant effort and technology into enhancing the underpinnings of their full-size vehicles for maximum luxury. On the LTD version, upgraded trim and interior materials further elevated the package, providing more amenities than any other entry-level brand had before. By 1966, the LTD had become so successful that it was formed into a standalone model line.

Ford gave the LTD lineup a major redesign for 1969. Chassis engineering was still shared with other full-size Ford sedans, although the wheelbase was lengthened by two inches. The body was styled to be low and wide with distinctive exterior features such as concealed headlamps. Inside, Ford adopted a sparse dash design with driver-focused wraparound instrumentation and controls, referred to as the “Front Room” concept. The car set new standards for luxury among Ford automobiles and sold well, even with journalistic criticism toward the car’s docile handling being incongruous to its powerful engine offerings.

Wearing its factory-applied Wimbledon White paint, the Ford LTD coupe displayed here serves as a time capsule back to 1969. Originally delivered to Pozzi Motor Sales of Carson City, Nevada, this LTD was purchased by renowned collector and casino mogul Bill Harrah. The Harrah Collection was comprehensive in scale and pioneering in its portrayal of the evolution of the automobile. Upon his passing, significant portions of Harrah’s collection were dispersed through a series of landmark auctions in the 1980s. Though never used on the road, the car remained in Harrah’s Automobile Museum until 1985 and has since been carefully preserved with less than 100 miles on its odometer.