Ford Zephyr MkII Farnham Estate

The MkI Ford Consul and Zephyr models were first displayed at the Earl's Court motor show in 1950. They were the first to use in mass production the MacPherson Strut independent front suspension which is still widely used today. While the Consul had a 1,508cc four-cylinder engine, the Zephyr had a 2,262cc six-cylinder unit that produced 68bhp and gave the car a top speed of 80mph.

Available with 4-door saloon, estate and 2-door convertible bodies, the Zephyr Six was a success not only in the market place but also in competition. In 1953 a Zephyr driven by Maurice Gatsonides won the Monte Carlo Rally, pushing a Jaguar MkVII into second place in the process. Two years later a Zephyr driven by Vic Preston achieved an outright win in the East Africa Rally.

In 1956 a larger MkII version was launched with sharper, more trans-Atlantic styling than the rounder MkI. Engine size was increased to 2,553cc which hiked the power output to 86bhp and top speed to 88mph, driving through a column-change 3-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive. Front disc brakes became standard from 1961 onwards. It was replaced by the much plainer looking MkIII in 1962.

First registered in August 1961, this particular Zephyr MkII is a rare estate version bodied by Abbott of Farnham. An overdrive gearbox model, it appears to be in totally original and unmolested condition throughout with good straight panels and a very sound structure. The interior is also all original and in very good order and there is a handy luggage rack on the roof. Paintwork and chrome, however, are rather poor and the car would now benefit from some cosmetic titivation.

In the current ownership for the last 10 years it comes with a small amount of history including bills for a new clutch in 2005 and a full brake overhaul including new front discs in 2004. Said to run and drive well, it is taxed and MOTd until February 2011 and is due to be driven some 40 miles to the sale. One to use and enjoy as it is but could be turned into a first-class example with relatively little effort.