User:SteveCof00/1969 Ford

The 1969-1978 mainstream line of Ford cars were full-size cars built by Ford Motor Company for the 1969 to 1978 model years. This generation of the full-size Ford would become the first to become a true automobile platform. Although still produced on separate wheelbases, full-size Ford and Mercury models were now primarily distinguished by grilles and taillights. In 1970, Lincoln would develop a redesigned Continental based upon a longer-wheelbase Ford chassis; no visible bodywork was common to Ford or Mercury.

1969-1972
To make room for the expanded Fairlane intermediate introduced in 1968, Ford enlarged its full-size car line for the 1969 model year.

1973-1978
For the 1973 model year, the body of all Ford full-size cars were given a major update. In anticipation of upcoming changes to federal safety regulations, the front bumper was straightened and enlarged to handle a 5-mph impact (the rear bumper was updated for 1974). To better deal with potential rollover standards, all four-doors and station wagons became "pillared hardtops". A design introduced on the 1970 Lincoln Continental 4-door, the roof was supported by a slim B-pillar while the doors still wore frameless door glass. As part of the redesign, two-door models from Ford saw some differentiation from their Mercury counterparts as the hardtop roofline gave way to wide B-pillars; the roofline would be similar to the later Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar.

As full-size cars moved increasingly upmarket in the 1970s, Ford changed many of its model offerings. For 1973, the Custom line was pared down to the Custom 500 trim level and Ranch Wagon. After 1974, the Galaxie and Country Sedan lines were discontinued, becoming base-trim models of the LTD.