Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image
;) | ;) | ;) | ;) | ;) | |||||
;) | ;) | ;) | ;) | ;) |
| Lot number | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £5,280 |
| Description | Ford Zephyr Six Mk1 |
| Registration | 747 XVB |
| Year | 1955 |
| Mileage | TBC (Indicated) |
| Colour | Cream and Beige |
| Engine size | 2,262 cc |
| Chassis No. | S52367 |
| Engine No. | F0TTA81495 |
| Documents | V5C |
First shown at the 1950 Earls Court Motor Show, the Ford Zephyr Six shared its purposeful silhouette with two other models, falling between the four-cylinder Consul and the slightly more upmarket Zodiac.
Powered by a six-cylinder 2,262 cc engine producing 68bhp, the Zephyr Six could hit 80mph with ease and cost a modest £842 at launch. Suspension was by coil springs at the front and a live axle with half elliptic springs at the rear. Not only a huge success in the market, it also boxed far above its weight in competition – in 1953 a Zephyr Six driven by Maurice Gatsonides famously won the Monte Carlo rally, pushing a Jaguar Mk VII into second place in the process.
Dating from late 1955, this Zephyr Six has spent most of its life in dry South Africa and was only imported into the UK in 2017, registered as 747XVB on arrival. The history file is a bit thin for a 64 year old car but there are bills from South Africa showing substantial renovation work was completed in 2016. The car was resprayed, the engine rebuilt, four new tyres fitted and the interior retrimmed by Americano Custom Rides of Roodeport, with an invoice for 44,163 Rand which sounds a lot! In fact it works out at about £2,400 which just seems to be remarkable value!
The work appears to have been carried out to a good standard, although panel fit could perhaps have been better. The paint work presents well in period two tone cream and light brown, and contrasts nicely with its particularly appealing interior, which has red vinyl upholstery and a classically minimalist ‘50s dash. Perhaps the Rand ran out before completion as the bumpers are sprayed painted silver rather than chromed.
The car was converted in South Africa to a three speed gearbox with floor mounted gear selector, but the original 3-speed gearbox and column change mechanism will be included with the car.
Altogether a delightful and well preserved Zephyr that should give its new owner a great deal of pleasure.
