Dave Harkey's 1972 LTD
Here's his story on this beautiful car!
It's hard to believe it's been 29 years. It was 1977
and I was considering replacing the '60 Ford
I was driving
daily. I was 20 years old at the time and most guys my age
were into Mustangs,
Camaros or VWs. I indstead opted for
something different and thought it would be neat to own
one of
Ford's last full size convertibles--the 1972 LTD.
I began looking for one by buying auto trader type
publications and occasionally picking up the Sunday
L.A. Times
paper where I found this car advertised. I made
arrangements to see the car.
The car was located in Encino in the hands of it's second
owner and had 48,000 original miles on it.
The owner was a
programmer at CBS Studio Center. (His parking decal is
still affixed to the windshield).
My first reaction when I saw the car was I HAD to have it and
if I got it I would NEVER sell it. Buying
the car would be
a financial stretch for me but my Grandmother (who had been in
"co-hoots" with me
on a couple other car deals) offered to loan
me some money to make the deal. I drove the car home on
December 14, 1977.
I drove the car daily for the next 7 years, including through
the energy crisis of 1979 when most of my
co-workers were riding
bikes to work. I remember telling them that as long as I
could afford to buy
gas I would continue to drive my
"gas-guzzler".
This car is one of 4234 convertibles produced in 1972 and was
built on January 7, 1972 at the
Louisville, KY plant. (All 1972
convertibles were built in Louisville). It is equipped
with the
429 c.u. engine and virtually all the optional extras
except the trailer towing stuff, including all
power options and
the exterior appearance and protection items. I personally
have not seen
another '72 convertible with as much "stuff".
The car remains basically unrestored. I had it painted
and a new top installed in 1988 in
preparation for it's
participation in the milestone display at the Knott's Berry Farm
Fabulous
Fords Forever show that year celebrating Ford's 85th
anniversary. Current mileage is about
118,000 miles.
I mainly use it for car club activities and an occasional
parade.
I've enjoyed owning this car through the years and have many
memories tied to it.
I can honestly say I've never
considered selling the car. Hopefully I can have another
29 years with it.
written by Dave Harkey