My parents first brand new car was a 1974 Ford LTD brougham with a 400 engine. That was a great car. I think they got 150,000 miles out of the first engine. I was 10 years old when they got it. And I think I was near 20 when they gave it to my sister and her husband. I remember driving it until it got to about 110 mph before I lost my nerve. I was only 17. 😅
@@giggiddy Yes. My dad was a mechanic. So he put a used engine out of a 1973 in it. He put a used transmission in it at around 100k . The 2nd gear band broke in the original unit. He’d usually rebuild both. But because mechanics often don’t have a lot of time to fix their own, he installed used engines and Trans in his own in order the get it back on the road quickly since my mother needed it for work. Back then rebuilding or replacing engines was common because there was usually a lot of life left in rest of the car at the time the engine or transmission went bad since 100,000 miles was fairly typical. Today many engines and transmissions easily last 200,000 miles and are very expensive. By then, often car isn’t worth it.
@@mrsrmpMe three, for the same reasons, specifically the full width grill with the vertical, unbroken bars looks better. I would also pay the $353.41 (adjusted for 2023 inflation) for the 400 2V.
When I was seven years old my mother had a 74 LTD 2 door, I loved that car. I remember one Saturday my mother was driving me and my brothers to my grandfather’s house. On the way there we listened to Nixon resign from the presidency on the radio.
After watching your videos I surmise that my mother’s LTD had the dreaded 4v carburetor because it was difficult to start the car in the morning. The second day she owned it, all my brothers and myself loaded into the car and it took my mother five minutes to get it started. She took it back to the dealership that day and they adjusted something but a few weeks later it was back to being difficult to start.
I'd obviously pick the LTD brougham, I favor two door cars and absolutely loved the high back front seats Ford offered on their Ford/Lincoln/Mercury cars from '71-'73.
@@ericdolby1622I had the 73 galaxie 500 4 door hardtop it was a good-looking car I had a policeman give me a compliment on my car ... It was pretty quick for a 351 Windsor.... I love that car
I worked at a Ford dealership in late 70’s in western Kansas. There was a large Mennonite community that eschewed luxury. Most would buy base LTD’s equipped much like your Galaxie, but occasionally someone would buy an LTD Brougham and have the radio removed, whitewalls turned inward, base wheel covers installed, and the vinyl roof removed with the metal underneath finished to match the remainder of the car. All plain Jane in the outside so not to raise eyebrows and full lux inside. Couldn’t help but think of that in this comparison. 8:37
Back in 1979 my best friend's dad taught me how to "retune" a detuned engine. He told me to adjust the timing by ear. Turn the distributor until the idle gets to its highest then back off just a touch and lock it down. I did that to my dad's 1972 Eldorado 500cid engine and that car for the rest of its life never used another drop of premium gas, never again pinged on acceleration, got better fuel economy and got back all of its horsepower. That car was a beast. My brother used to go out and race Camaros with it and win! By the way, I would take either of your Fords any day. Enjoy!
@@kennethsouthard6042 You don't want super-high compression with today's gas. You need 100 octane for double-digit compression. Today's cars seem to be able to because they have computerized ignition systems and ping sensors that instantly retard the timing as soon as any knock is detected. As retarded timing greatly hurts power and torque, today's engines do not develop their rated horsepower nor their rated torque when using pump gas.
I saw those being built at the Highland Park plant in St. Paul. It was a field trip in Junior High. I am amazed at the cars you keep pulling out of your storage hidey holes.
This brings back some memories for me! I would definitely pick the LTD Brougham. My Aunt and Uncle had a '73, while we still had a '72, which my Dad would then trade in on a new '75 when they came out. Interestingly, that Galaxie 500 really looks like one that would have been driven by Karl Malden on the TV show "The Streets of San Francisco", which I always watched way back in the day. What a great flashback, Adam!!! Thanks!
I had a 73 Galaxie 4 door that had belonged to my grandfather. However, despite being kept under a carport it had serious rust problems. The man who bought it removed the roof and still drives it in parades. This video brought back some very happy childhood memories.❤❤
You lucky guy, I think the '71 LTD is the most beautiful LTD of all LTD's - especially the two door Brougham! I liked the the front end with the headlights tucked way back in their separate 'coves' on either side of the center grill and the wall to wall taillights were a sight to see at night. I think the '71 LTD and Mercury Marquis were styling masterpieces and a high point for Ford.
My cool uncle had a triple green 73 ltd brougham 2 dr when i was a kid. Used to let me drive it on back roads sometimes. He kept that car for years and it was mint.
You are lucky to have these two cars that haven’t turned into rust dust. I have never been able to warm up to the giant bumpers and smog control engines. All cars of that era were like that. Add in how badly they all rusted and the single digit mpg on big blocks, no wonder even good examples are cheap. Still, I enjoy your channel. Just offering my opinion as an old car guy (I’m in my 70’s)
I love both of them cars they are so cool looking. The ltd roofline is kinda markIV thunderbirdish of that Era. I think I like the ltd better love that color and 460. I really enjoy all your videos. They are very informative about all the cars. I know you like the GMs but you go over everything which is great and you have everything which is great. Keep the videos coming.
My grandparents had a brown 1974 Ford LTD Brougham they bought new in the fall of 1973, I would have to pick the black 1973 Ford Galaxie 500 though, I like cars that look like something a cop would've driven, and that car does, not a thing I'd change about it either, very good looking low trimmed car.
I don't know which one i would choose, but my grandmother chose the LTD when she bought a '73 Ford back in the day. Hers was a white '73 LTD Brougham sedan with dark blue vinyl roof and dark blue cloth interior, a very nice car.
Honestly can’t choose Adam, I want both of them! If I had to pick, I’d go with the Galaxie 500 hardtop sedan. Simple but elegant. And reminds me of the police cars of the era.
I remember my friend Gary and I cruising in one of these, which was his mom’s car. We were driving like idiots in his neighborhood, screeching tires and having a great time. We weren’t legal age to drive, but it was still fun as heck.
Back in the 80s growing up in Lansing would see LTDs( Like the 4 door) and Impalas with "Mafia Staff Car" novelty front license plates. I never understood why my dad always bought 2 door cars for a family of 5 as well. The list included 3 Cutlass Supreme 2 doors, (1 68, 2 76's) 2 Mercury Capris, a 74 AMC Matador (yes, that one) It made for some interesting trips. We never had a full car, always intermediates.
I would take the LTD. Not just because it is a 2 door. I am a fan of the '73-'78 LTD, both 2 door and 4 door. My dad bought a brand new 1974 LTD, Ginger Brown with a tan vinyl top and brown interior. I believe it had the 351 engine. I was 14 at the time. Sadly, my dad passed away less than 2 years later, and my mother inherited the car. She didn't drive, and I had recently gotten my license, so basically it became my first car. It may not seem like a teenagers choice for a first car, and it originally wouldn't have been mine. I wanted a Camaro/Firebird. But my feelings slowly changed. I learned to love these big land yachts, and still do. I am now 64, and have two Grand Marquis, a 2006 and a 2007. The 2006 has 381,000 miles on it, the 2007, which I just recently bought, is like brand new, and only had 36,000 miles on it when I bought it.
Growing up in Northern California, A/C was usually ordered only on a well optioned car and many people would still not get it. However, I have seen that in many other humid areas of the country where it was ordered on bare bones cars like your Galaxie. I remember growing up we had neighbors that came from Iowa and had a 65 Ford Country Sedan wagon. I remember that car had A/C full wheel covers and little if anything else. That car also had a radio delete plate and even a 3 on the tree. I guess since A/C being a very expensive option, but badly needed in some regions, people were willing to sacrifice just about everything else to have it.
I noticed that the Galaxie in this video had some fancy curly cues as consolation for the missing radio, but no blank clock face where the self-adjusting clock would have been. The blank clock face with no hands was my favorite "ha ha, you don't have it" filler piece from Detroit; my father's Malibu and my next-door-neighbor's Ford "Country Sedan" both had it.
@@pcno2832 They really punished you back then and made you look cheap with that clock face and no hands. Then again you got punished anyway even if you got the clock as it stopped working after about 2 or 3 years.
I love full size Fords and have a few incl a 74 Squire with every option on it. Supposedly the Ford Texas launch car. Love your two Fords. Looks like a Quinn Martin production 😀.
Adam, Excellent proposition. For me, being a poor corrupt official, I would choose the Galaxie. It is a more pure expression of the design especially without a vinyl roof and in black it is just striking and very handsome. I would also like to congratulate you for including the sound of rustling leaves underfoot for enhancing the audio experience of this video. I must say though I am against the dust. Cheers.
As a single man, the two door is always gonna be my favorite. Four door doesn't have as much function or appeal without any passengers going in back that often. I'd love to get my 78 Landau worked on to look as good as your Fords do! Only thing I wish is that I didn't have so many odd ball options on mine. I've grown pretty accustomed to the 400, so that I don't mind. However I've got a FMX mated to a 8.7" rear (yes 8.7" not 8.8" or 9"). So trying to get new seals or spare parts can be a real challenge. I just finished painting the driveshaft, installing new u-joints as well as output shaft/pinion seals. I've gotta look for a good restorations shop soon though. The old gal needs to have her metal gone through for proper rust repairs and I'm pretty tired of doing metal fab myself.
This Ford with no clock, no radio, but with automatic climate control, reminds me of Adam's other car (Olds?) that had no A/C, an AM radio, but a very unusual power antenna... Fascinating as always!
Just how ads start popping up after conversations, I have this. We went out to eat last night, and a '73 (or '74?) gold 2dr LTD was next to us. Slotted mags, raised white lettered tires and a little kick in the back end where the air shocks are! I absolutely loved it. My pick? 2dr LTD all day long...
My Dad had a 74 4 dr piller ht brough exactly same colour as your 2 dr ht. It has the 400 , over his life he had Chevs, Olds, and Mercurys but this by far was his face, hope to find one someday, tks for the drive.
Both great cars, a friend's first car was a light yellow LTD with a white vinyl roof. That was a great car. The black Galaxy you have looks like a 70's cop car. Very cool.
A QUINN MARTIN PRODUCTION! I owned from new a 2dr. 1974 LTD Brougham. Ginger Glow Metallic, 460 engine and most every available option. Had it for five years and it performed flawlessly. Lincoln-like comfort and amenities at a discount. I've owned several cars through the years. I miss that one and hear it's still around.
Brought back memories, my parents always had Fords in that era. They rode well and were quiet. Funny to see the trees bare up north, they are still coming down here in coastal Delaware
I had two of these a long while ago. One of them had the FMX cast iron automatic with the 400M V8. It was hard not to squeal the tires when leaving a stop sign because of the torque. It is funny that the two door and the four door had the exact same front fenders. (Interchangeable). Very long lasting cars.
Interestingly, my dad drove a 1973 Caprice, and my sister drove a ‘73 LTD Brougham two door. Both had 400/2 set up. Dad liked the Chevy for everyday driving, and the Ford nice weather driving because it had a sun roof. Also the LTD seemed to tow our boat better. Given the choice, I’d have taken the LTD.
My first car was a 1974 Ford Galaxie 500 Country Sedan Wagon, so I'm partial to the Galaxie .. my Dad always had wagons, and his wagons were always the middle of the trim line ... A 69 Kingswood, not the Estate (Wood) a 71 Chevelle Concours, again not the Estate, and the on I ended up with in high school, the 74 Country Sedan ..
My first car was a 73 LTD Brougham 2 door. I still have the original drive train in my garage. Been looking for another body to put it in. Back in 1988 I had to scrap the frame as it was completely rusted through. So, I stripped the car out and towed the shell to the local junk yard. Looking back, I wish I hadn't. I could have pulled the body off and done a full restoration. Right now, I am almost done restoring my 87 Vette. It was the car that replaced the LTD. So, if you have a decent 2 door LTD sitting around, let me know!
A great comparison, Adam. (I wondered when you were going to get around to it1 LOL) They are both great cars. FYI, the bumper rub strips/guards are part of the Bumper Protection Group. The Appearance Protection Group included front and rear floor mats with carpet inserts, door edge guards and license plate frames. And I'd take the LTD, just because of that beautiful Gold Glow paint job.
There are benefits to both- my uncle had the doppelganger to the LTD, but a 72. My dad had a green 72 country sedan, a new 75 Maverick and then a 2 door 73 Mercury Meteor 🇨🇦 because the Mav's engine blew. He liked the Meteor but he traded that in on a 74 malibu, which he loved best of all.
A high school friend had a minor accident with his mom's '73 or '74 LTD 2 door hardtop. As I recall, he smashed the car into the back wall of their garage. When the car came back repaired, it had a 1973 Galaxie 500 grille and front end. I like the 4 door hardtop styling of the Galaxie 500 and it is a clean looking and handsome car without the vinyl roof. But I would take the LTD Brougham over the Galaxie 500 without hesitation, unless I had a family and needed 4 doors. I remember Consumer Reports magazine recommending the heavy duty suspension on big Fords because it improved the handling without affecting the ride much.
The Galaxie reminds me of one of my dad's company cars. Dad was a salesman. every other year he would get a new Galaxie, Impala or Fury II. They were generally poorly optioned but he could get an upgrade if he argued for it. They were all nice cars.
I spent a lot of time in high school in a 1971 Mercury Monterey 400 2 barrel. That was a great engine. This video really brought back some memories. Thank you!
These cars were everywhere and I never gave them a second thought. Today, when I see one like this, I get a little misty eyed thinking about those days. The comments are even better as they are the same experiences I remember as well. Cheers everybody and be safe! 😊
The only way that I could think that a car without a radio would last that long is if it was never driven. Your 7400 miles proves it. Great survivors of an era.
Lincolns of that era were "squinty" too -a high school friend of mine had the baby blue 76 Givenchy Mark IV. Same thing -narrow view out of the front and rear windows with a tall dash and instrument panel that made the inside almost seem cramped for what it was. But very cool car -even with the opera windowed c-pillar you could still hide a battleship in. So for sentimental reasons I guess I'd pick your 460'd Brougham out of the two -both are nice pieces though Adam.....
It would be a tough decision for me. The galaxies has the better color combo and I actually prefer the four door body style, just think it looks a little more proportional with the overall boxy Ford styling of this year. Also prefer the galaxie grill. That said, the interior in the LTD, both in looks and comfort, plus having a radio would probably push me in that direction.
My parents bought a new 1972 LTD coupe with the 351 Windsor. It was a very quiet car on the highway, but it was a little underpowered. A year later, a friend's family bought the 1973 LTD sedan with the 400. I had 5 siblings. Mom should have bought the sedan or the wagon lol. Of these two cars, I guess I like the looks of the Galaxie sedan better
My father was an Alabama Marine police officer.He had a 73 Galaxie that was his patrol car with the 400.He used to a 24 foot boat with it.He had to have his boat serviced and I used to ride with him from Dauphin island to Montgomery, Al. Round trip was 320 miles.We would be doing 70 to 75 m.p.h. and it pulled that boat like no ones business.Great car.
My best friend's mom had a 73 Torino the same gold color of your LTD. It seems I remember at the time that OEMs would offer a radio delete but you could get a radio accommodation package so you could add your own after market radio if you wanted.
Im a hard top guy, but my most fav LTD of that era would be the LTD Landau, that's more of a Caprice equivalent, I just loved the hidden headlights, and the way the car with every conceivable option and a totally different rear end with its vertical tail lights
Loved the cars both of them but hated the 400ci....always burned out head gaskets and usually would crack the blocks and then you'd hope it was a small crack in a piston wall you could fix. They ran really hot. Never had that issue with 429 0r 460's. The body style in the LTD was such a good looking car best of Ford really. Loved the seats. The Galaxie looks like and looks to be optioned to be a detective car or PD use. Great video again!
my dad bought a new 73 ltd 351 w 2 dr. very quiet and smooth. fast acceleration with the 351. het put 138,000 miles on it and practically trouble free , just water pump and starter plus regular maintenence like brakes and tires
I would probably selected the quieter and more options LTD. It's a very hard decision. I would have to sit in it so the car talks to me and choose me. Sounds funny but that's how i bought my 66 starchief executive, 65 GTO, 65 Laurentian, 58 meteor Rideau 500 or any car. I sit at the wheel and if I feel I need to buy it, the car choose me.
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My parents first brand new car was a 1974 Ford LTD brougham with a 400 engine. That was a great car. I think they got 150,000 miles out of the first engine. I was 10 years old when they got it. And I think I was near 20 when they gave it to my sister and her husband. I remember driving it until it got to about 110 mph before I lost my nerve. I was only 17. 😅
They replaced the engine and kept driving it?? I love it. You don't hear much of that anymore. Thanks for the story! Cheers
@@giggiddy Yes. My dad was a mechanic. So he put a used engine out of a 1973 in it. He put a used transmission in it at around 100k . The 2nd gear band broke in the original unit. He’d usually rebuild both. But because mechanics often don’t have a lot of time to fix their own, he installed used engines and Trans in his own in order the get it back on the road quickly since my mother needed it for work. Back then rebuilding or replacing engines was common because there was usually a lot of life left in rest of the car at the time the engine or transmission went bad since 100,000 miles was fairly typical. Today many engines and transmissions easily last 200,000 miles and are very expensive. By then, often car isn’t worth it.
@@dmandman9 Hmmm, wonder how that tranny got broken! Probably the same way my driveshaft gave out on my 73 Caprice!
Both are great, but I would pick the Galaxie because it is a 4-door hardtop, which is both practical and stylish.
Me too for the same reasons
I would definitely take that four-door. Absolutely a sweet ride
@@mrsrmpMe three, for the same reasons, specifically the full width grill with the vertical, unbroken bars looks better. I would also pay the $353.41 (adjusted for 2023 inflation) for the 400 2V.
LTD, because big engine, better suspension, better seats and....a radio!.
When I was seven years old my mother had a 74 LTD 2 door, I loved that car. I remember one Saturday my mother was driving me and my brothers to my grandfather’s house. On the way there we listened to Nixon resign from the presidency on the radio.
After watching your videos I surmise that my mother’s LTD had the dreaded 4v carburetor because it was difficult to start the car in the morning. The second day she owned it, all my brothers and myself loaded into the car and it took my mother five minutes to get it started. She took it back to the dealership that day and they adjusted something but a few weeks later it was back to being difficult to start.
I'd obviously pick the LTD brougham, I favor two door cars and absolutely loved the high back front seats Ford offered on their Ford/Lincoln/Mercury cars from '71-'73.
4 door hardtop is the way to go for practicality
@@ericdolby1622I had the 73 galaxie 500 4 door hardtop it was a good-looking car I had a policeman give me a compliment on my car ... It was pretty quick for a 351 Windsor.... I love that car
I worked at a Ford dealership in late 70’s in western Kansas. There was a large Mennonite community that eschewed luxury. Most would buy base LTD’s equipped much like your Galaxie, but occasionally someone would buy an LTD Brougham and have the radio removed, whitewalls turned inward, base wheel covers installed, and the vinyl roof removed with the metal underneath finished to match the remainder of the car. All plain Jane in the outside so not to raise eyebrows and full lux inside. Couldn’t help but think of that in this comparison. 8:37
1973 I think of detective car ... streets of san Francisco a Quinn Martin production
@@youtubecarspottersguide1Quinn Martin
@@stephenholland5930 yes could not figure out the correct spelling
Were you near Holcomb or garden city
REAL Mennonites would drive Volkswagens!
Back in 1979 my best friend's dad taught me how to "retune" a detuned engine. He told me to adjust the timing by ear. Turn the distributor until the idle gets to its highest then back off just a touch and lock it down. I did that to my dad's 1972 Eldorado 500cid engine and that car for the rest of its life never used another drop of premium gas, never again pinged on acceleration, got better fuel economy and got back all of its horsepower. That car was a beast. My brother used to go out and race Camaros with it and win! By the way, I would take either of your Fords any day. Enjoy!
Unfortunately, that trick would not restore the compression back from around 8:1 to 11:1 that the older cars had.
@@kennethsouthard6042 You don't want super-high compression with today's gas. You need 100 octane for double-digit compression. Today's cars seem to be able to because they have computerized ignition systems and ping sensors that instantly retard the timing as soon as any knock is detected. As retarded timing greatly hurts power and torque, today's engines do not develop their rated horsepower nor their rated torque when using pump gas.
I think they're the same car I had a 73 galaxie 500 with a 351 Windsor awesome car loved it
I saw those being built at the Highland Park plant in St. Paul. It was a field trip in Junior High.
I am amazed at the cars you keep pulling out of your storage hidey holes.
Hard to believe but those cars are now 50 years old! My how time has flown by. Nice cars.
This brings back some memories for me! I would definitely pick the LTD Brougham. My Aunt and Uncle had a '73, while we still had a '72, which my Dad would then trade in on a new '75 when they came out. Interestingly, that Galaxie 500 really looks like one that would have been driven by Karl Malden on the TV show "The Streets of San Francisco", which I always watched way back in the day. What a great flashback, Adam!!! Thanks!
amazing how a simple front end grill change could make the same car look different. I learned to drive in 1981 on a 1973 LTD.
I had a 73 Galaxie 4 door that had belonged to my grandfather. However, despite being kept under a carport it had serious rust problems. The man who bought it removed the roof and still drives it in parades. This video brought back some very happy childhood memories.❤❤
Love the Galaxie 500!
I just feel the same...beautiful 73 Galaxie
The galaxie grille is much cleaner to me and love that it doesn’t have bumper guards.
When I decided to become a serious collector, in 2017, my first acquisition was a 1971 Ford LTD 2 dr htp.
You lucky guy, I think the '71 LTD is the most beautiful LTD of all
LTD's - especially the two door Brougham! I liked the the front end with the headlights tucked way back in their separate 'coves' on either side of the center grill and the wall to wall taillights were a sight to see at night. I think the '71 LTD and Mercury Marquis were styling masterpieces and a high point for Ford.
My favorites have always been the 71 and 72, since I was a little kid. My favorite Burt Reynolds movie is White Lightning.
Check out the movie Freebie and the Bean
My cool uncle had a triple green 73 ltd brougham 2 dr when i was a kid. Used to let me drive it on back roads sometimes. He kept that car for years and it was mint.
You are lucky to have these two cars that haven’t turned into rust dust. I have never been able to warm up to the giant bumpers and smog control engines. All cars of that era were like that. Add in how badly they all rusted and the single digit mpg on big blocks, no wonder even good examples are cheap. Still, I enjoy your channel. Just offering my opinion as an old car guy (I’m in my 70’s)
LTD for me ! Those are both really nice examples. Thanks for the ride-along.
I love both of them cars they are so cool looking. The ltd roofline is kinda markIV thunderbirdish of that Era. I think I like the ltd better love that color and 460. I really enjoy all your videos. They are very informative about all the cars. I know you like the GMs but you go over everything which is great and you have everything which is great. Keep the videos coming.
Adam, Gosh that blue Galaxie interior looks good offset against a black exterior!🤩
My parents owned a 1973 Galaxie with 460. Really nice. It got wrecked back in the 1980s, but it was a really fun car. Good memories.
My grandparents had a brown 1974 Ford LTD Brougham they bought new in the fall of 1973, I would have to pick the black 1973 Ford Galaxie 500 though, I like cars that look like something a cop would've driven, and that car does, not a thing I'd change about it either, very good looking low trimmed car.
I don't know which one i would choose, but my grandmother chose the LTD when she bought a '73 Ford back in the day. Hers was a white '73 LTD Brougham sedan with dark blue vinyl roof and dark blue cloth interior, a very nice car.
The Galaxie 500 is my favorite car in Adam's fleet.
Beautiful pair of Fords!
The four door hardtop Galaxie without a vinyl top is a nice car, just needs dog dish hubcaps to complete the look.
I was alway a big fan of the LTD in White Lightening with Burt Reynolds. Sweet car.
Honestly can’t choose Adam, I want both of them!
If I had to pick, I’d go with the Galaxie 500 hardtop sedan. Simple but elegant. And reminds me of the police cars of the era.
crime drama tv shows, Detective cars
@@youtubecarspottersguide1yes! Cannon and the Streets of San Francisco come to mind!
Two beautiful vehicles.
I remember my friend Gary and I cruising in one of these, which was his mom’s car. We were driving like idiots in his neighborhood, screeching tires and having a great time. We weren’t legal age to drive, but it was still fun as heck.
Back in the 80s growing up in Lansing would see LTDs( Like the 4 door) and Impalas with "Mafia Staff Car" novelty front license plates. I never understood why my dad always bought 2 door cars for a family of 5 as well. The list included 3 Cutlass Supreme 2 doors, (1 68, 2 76's) 2 Mercury Capris, a 74 AMC Matador (yes, that one) It made for some interesting trips. We never had a full car, always intermediates.
I would take the LTD. Not just because it is a 2 door. I am a fan of the '73-'78 LTD, both 2 door and 4 door. My dad bought a brand new 1974 LTD, Ginger Brown with a tan vinyl top and brown interior. I believe it had the 351 engine. I was 14 at the time. Sadly, my dad passed away less than 2 years later, and my mother inherited the car. She didn't drive, and I had recently gotten my license, so basically it became my first car. It may not seem like a teenagers choice for a first car, and it originally wouldn't have been mine. I wanted a Camaro/Firebird. But my feelings slowly changed. I learned to love these big land yachts, and still do. I am now 64, and have two Grand Marquis, a 2006 and a 2007. The 2006 has 381,000 miles on it, the 2007, which I just recently bought, is like brand new, and only had 36,000 miles on it when I bought it.
I'd pick the LTD Brougham hands down!!! The biggest reason is the high back twin comfort lounge seats, plus it's a two door hardtop!!! 👍👍🎄
Growing up in Northern California, A/C was usually ordered only on a well optioned car and many people would still not get it. However, I have seen that in many other humid areas of the country where it was ordered on bare bones cars like your Galaxie. I remember growing up we had neighbors that came from Iowa and had a 65 Ford Country Sedan wagon. I remember that car had A/C full wheel covers and little if anything else. That car also had a radio delete plate and even a 3 on the tree. I guess since A/C being a very expensive option, but badly needed in some regions, people were willing to sacrifice just about everything else to have it.
I noticed that the Galaxie in this video had some fancy curly cues as consolation for the missing radio, but no blank clock face where the self-adjusting clock would have been. The blank clock face with no hands was my favorite "ha ha, you don't have it" filler piece from Detroit; my father's Malibu and my next-door-neighbor's Ford "Country Sedan" both had it.
@@pcno2832 They really punished you back then and made you look cheap with that clock face and no hands. Then again you got punished anyway even if you got the clock as it stopped working after about 2 or 3 years.
@@kennethsouthard6042 If you could get it to last more than 2 months, you must have had a secret.
What an abrupt end! The ride along was going well!
I would LOVE to own that beautiful 73 LTD Brougham . I love everything about it .❤
I love full size Fords and have a few incl a 74 Squire with every option on it. Supposedly the Ford Texas launch car. Love your two Fords. Looks like a Quinn Martin production 😀.
Adam,
Excellent proposition. For me, being a poor corrupt official, I would choose the Galaxie. It is a more pure expression of the design especially without a vinyl roof and in black it is just striking and very handsome. I would also like to congratulate you for including the sound of rustling leaves underfoot for enhancing the audio experience of this video. I must say though I am against the dust.
Cheers.
As a single man, the two door is always gonna be my favorite. Four door doesn't have as much function or appeal without any passengers going in back that often. I'd love to get my 78 Landau worked on to look as good as your Fords do! Only thing I wish is that I didn't have so many odd ball options on mine. I've grown pretty accustomed to the 400, so that I don't mind. However I've got a FMX mated to a 8.7" rear (yes 8.7" not 8.8" or 9"). So trying to get new seals or spare parts can be a real challenge. I just finished painting the driveshaft, installing new u-joints as well as output shaft/pinion seals. I've gotta look for a good restorations shop soon though. The old gal needs to have her metal gone through for proper rust repairs and I'm pretty tired of doing metal fab myself.
This Ford with no clock, no radio, but with automatic climate control, reminds me of Adam's other car (Olds?) that had no A/C, an AM radio, but a very unusual power antenna...
Fascinating as always!
Just how ads start popping up after conversations, I have this. We went out to eat last night, and a '73 (or '74?) gold 2dr LTD was next to us. Slotted mags, raised white lettered tires and a little kick in the back end where the air shocks are! I absolutely loved it.
My pick? 2dr LTD all day long...
My Mom had a 74 LTD back in the day. The car had a nice ride and it was easy to work on.
My Dad had a 74 4 dr piller ht brough exactly same colour as your 2 dr ht. It has the 400 , over his life he had Chevs, Olds, and Mercurys but this by far was his face, hope to find one someday, tks for the drive.
The Brougham, of course!
Both great cars, a friend's first car was a light yellow LTD with a white vinyl roof. That was a great car. The black Galaxy you have looks like a 70's cop car. Very cool.
Love me a Brougham, I'd take that LTD any day.
That Galaxie was in many a cop shows and movie in the 70s.
A QUINN MARTIN PRODUCTION! I owned from new a 2dr. 1974 LTD Brougham. Ginger Glow Metallic, 460 engine and most every available option. Had it for five years and it performed flawlessly. Lincoln-like comfort and amenities at a discount. I've owned several cars through the years. I miss that one and hear it's still around.
Brought back memories, my parents always had Fords in that era. They rode well and were quiet. Funny to see the trees bare up north, they are still coming down here in coastal Delaware
I had two of these a long while ago. One of them had the FMX cast iron automatic with the 400M V8. It was hard not to squeal the tires when leaving a stop sign because of the torque. It is funny that the two door and the four door had the exact same front fenders. (Interchangeable). Very long lasting cars.
Interestingly, my dad drove a 1973 Caprice, and my sister drove a ‘73 LTD Brougham two door. Both had 400/2 set up.
Dad liked the Chevy for everyday driving, and the Ford nice weather driving because it had a sun roof. Also the LTD seemed to tow our boat better.
Given the choice, I’d have taken the LTD.
My first car was a 1974 Ford Galaxie 500 Country Sedan Wagon, so I'm partial to the Galaxie .. my Dad always had wagons, and his wagons were always the middle of the trim line ... A 69 Kingswood, not the Estate (Wood) a 71 Chevelle Concours, again not the Estate, and the on I ended up with in high school, the 74 Country Sedan ..
The LTD has the radio. I’m a 4 door guy - completes the car in my eyes … both are great though thanks Adam
I like the Galaxie better, but both are nice for sure. Very nice survivors Adam. Thanks for the show & tell show Sir.
defineately that galaxy! I love the originality of the radio delete plate and I love lower trim models!
My first car was a 73 LTD Brougham 2 door. I still have the original drive train in my garage. Been looking for another body to put it in. Back in 1988 I had to scrap the frame as it was completely rusted through. So, I stripped the car out and towed the shell to the local junk yard. Looking back, I wish I hadn't. I could have pulled the body off and done a full restoration. Right now, I am almost done restoring my 87 Vette. It was the car that replaced the LTD. So, if you have a decent 2 door LTD sitting around, let me know!
A great comparison, Adam. (I wondered when you were going to get around to it1 LOL) They are both great cars. FYI, the bumper rub strips/guards are part of the Bumper Protection Group. The Appearance Protection Group included front and rear floor mats with carpet inserts, door edge guards and license plate frames. And I'd take the LTD, just because of that beautiful Gold Glow paint job.
I would love to buy the 73 Brougham ❣️
There are benefits to both- my uncle had the doppelganger to the LTD, but a 72. My dad had a green 72 country sedan, a new 75 Maverick and then a 2 door 73 Mercury Meteor 🇨🇦 because the Mav's engine blew.
He liked the Meteor but he traded that in on a 74 malibu, which he loved best of all.
always like the 73-74 Malibu wagons and colonnade 2drs
I'll take the Opel 1900 thanks! But I'm European, so these cars that are just about as big as my home are fascinating.Thanks for sharing!
A high school friend had a minor accident with his mom's '73 or '74 LTD 2 door hardtop. As I recall, he smashed the car into the back wall of their garage. When the car came back repaired, it had a 1973 Galaxie 500 grille and front end.
I like the 4 door hardtop styling of the Galaxie 500 and it is a clean looking and handsome car without the vinyl roof. But I would take the LTD Brougham over the Galaxie 500 without hesitation, unless I had a family and needed 4 doors.
I remember Consumer Reports magazine recommending the heavy duty suspension on big Fords because it improved the handling without affecting the ride much.
Galaxie all the way for me; I like that front-end treatment a lot better, and the blue interior is just (chef kiss).
The Galaxie reminds me of one of my dad's company cars. Dad was a salesman. every other year he would get a new Galaxie, Impala or Fury II. They were generally poorly optioned but he could get an upgrade if he argued for it. They were all nice cars.
Amazing that even in the 70s a radio was an option. I remember when my dad bought a '75 Vega, he bought it without a radio.
I'm picturing Barnaby Jones in the two-door LTD and the cops in four-door Galaxie as you speak; both at a crime scene.
Very much enjoy this.
I prefer the looks of the Galaxies. The Ltd is in a top tier. You have the best of both worlds. You own both!
My grandfather owned a '72 Galaxie 500 and actually bought it because he liked it better than the '72 LTD.
I liked them both, but I am more partial to the LTD more. I liked the 1974 model year most. We had a new one when I was little.
I spent a lot of time in high school in a 1971 Mercury Monterey 400 2 barrel. That was a great engine. This video really brought back some memories. Thank you!
These cars were everywhere and I never gave them a second thought. Today, when I see one like this, I get a little misty eyed thinking about those days. The comments are even better as they are the same experiences I remember as well. Cheers everybody and be safe! 😊
I had a 73 ltd brm sedan. 429 4v reg gas. ride handling pac. she was a beast. fast and sure footed. was a county motor pool unit.
The only way that I could think that a car without a radio would last that long is if it was never driven. Your 7400 miles proves it. Great survivors of an era.
Love that black Galaxie.
Lincolns of that era were "squinty" too -a high school friend of mine had the baby blue 76 Givenchy Mark IV. Same thing -narrow view out of the front and rear windows with a tall dash and instrument panel that made the inside almost seem cramped for what it was. But very cool car -even with the opera windowed c-pillar you could still hide a battleship in. So for sentimental reasons I guess I'd pick your 460'd Brougham out of the two -both are nice pieces though Adam.....
I had a 73 country squire wagon with the 429. Good reliable car.
It would be a tough decision for me. The galaxies has the better color combo and I actually prefer the four door body style, just think it looks a little more proportional with the overall boxy Ford styling of this year. Also prefer the galaxie grill. That said, the interior in the LTD, both in looks and comfort, plus having a radio would probably push me in that direction.
The brougham, always loved the big coupe
I've been waiting for this comparison! Thank you for providing it!
Thats why I'm a Ford man. My '79 T-bird rides smooth and yes, I tilt my head to get in.
The last Ford two door I had, besides a few mustangs., was a 76 torino elite, most cold blooded don't wanna start in the winter car I ever had.
My parents bought a new 1972 LTD coupe with the 351 Windsor. It was a very quiet car on the highway, but it was a little underpowered. A year later, a friend's family bought the 1973 LTD sedan with the 400.
I had 5 siblings. Mom should have bought the sedan or the wagon lol.
Of these two cars, I guess I like the looks of the Galaxie sedan better
My father was an Alabama Marine police officer.He had a 73 Galaxie that was his patrol car with the 400.He used to a 24 foot boat with it.He had to have his boat serviced and I used to ride with him from Dauphin island to Montgomery, Al. Round trip was 320 miles.We would be doing 70 to 75 m.p.h. and it pulled that boat like no ones business.Great car.
My best friend's mom had a 73 Torino the same gold color of your LTD. It seems I remember at the time that OEMs would offer a radio delete but you could get a radio accommodation package so you could add your own after market radio if you wanted.
I'd drive any one of those two beauties
Im a hard top guy, but my most fav LTD of that era would be the LTD Landau, that's more of a Caprice equivalent, I just loved the hidden headlights, and the way the car with every conceivable option and a totally different rear end with its vertical tail lights
Thanks for sharing your cars and information. Very interesting.
Damn good cars you got there!
Loved the cars both of them but hated the 400ci....always burned out head gaskets and usually would crack the blocks and then you'd hope it was a small crack in a piston wall you could fix. They ran really hot. Never had that issue with 429 0r 460's. The body style in the LTD was such a good looking car best of Ford really. Loved the seats. The Galaxie looks like and looks to be optioned to be a detective car or PD use. Great video again!
I really like the galaxie
Dad had the brown LTD and I loved driving that sucker ! So smooth and powerful. I MISS cars like this.
Both awesome in 70s car chases💪
Had a 73 Merc Meteor Rideau 500. I miss the land yachts.
my dad bought a new 73 ltd 351 w 2 dr. very quiet and smooth. fast acceleration with the 351. het put 138,000 miles on it and practically trouble free , just water pump and starter plus regular maintenence like brakes and tires
Looks like a scene from a Quinn Martin Production.....automobiles furnished by Ford Motor Company.
I would probably selected the quieter and more options LTD.
It's a very hard decision. I would have to sit in it so the car talks to me and choose me. Sounds funny but that's how i bought my 66 starchief executive, 65 GTO, 65 Laurentian, 58 meteor Rideau 500 or any car. I sit at the wheel and if I feel I need to buy it, the car choose me.
Very interesting video - thanks for posting!
We had a '73 Galaxie 500 sedan, so I would pick the LTD Brougham.
For me I'd pick the LTD Luxurious and as you say a great value!