1971 Ford LTD Berline I

One of the sleekest, most elegant cars at any auto show this season undoubtedly will he the LTD Berline — the show car that begins with a stark, vertical-wedge grille and body colored bumpers and ends with a unique, high-illumination taillamp configuration.

Berline is a far-out, Ford Design Center modification of Ford Division's 1970 LTD, the hot-selling luxury car in the quiet Ford line.

Berline is painted a deep Tangier blue. The car's side view presents an extremely low, poised-for-action look, topped by a rakish SportsRoof.

The Landau-style roof carries vinyl covering on the forward half, and the vinyl continues down to the belt line just behind the door.

With its broad "C" pillar and the absence of a rear quarter window, Berline offers the ultimate in rear seat privacy inside and sleek appearance outside. Adding to the car's long, low look is a black ribbed effect along the rocker panels...and black extensions ahead of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels.

Deep-sectioned, laced-type magnesium wheels and H70 x 15, low profile tires boast the performance capabilities of Berline. The taillamp configuration incorporates a new optical principal whereby abundant light is funneled through tiny slits in lenses.