Ford Zephyr MkII

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The MkI Ford Consul and Zephyr models were first displayed at the Earl's Court Motor Show in 1950.

They were among the first mass-produced cars to use MacPherson strut independent front suspension, a design which is still widely used today. While the Consul had a 1,508cc four-cylinder engine, the Zephyr used 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 in both the market place and 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. Engine size increased to 2,553cc which hiked 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.

The vendor of this beautifully presented MkII became aquainted with the car when his great friend purchased it in 2008 from the Classic and Sports Car Centre in North Yorkshire. Information from the Ford Club indicated that this car was used by Corgi to produce the original Zephyr MkII Dinky Toy, details of which were listed in the advertisement when purchased.

It has been professionally resprayed at some time in its life and the under-bonnet area has been particularly carefully detailed. In 2010 it had a new bushing in the gear linkage, a replacement fuel pump, replacement HT leads and a new distributor cap.

Sadly, the vendor’s friend passed away not long ago and this Zephyr, as well as his beautiful Zodiac, were sold at auction. In order not to miss out, the vendor, much to his surprise, ended up buying both cars. Having recently lost some of his storage space he has reluctantly decided to offer this one for sale.

The large history file includes two brochures, an old road test and no fewer than 32 old MOTs which confirm its current indicated total of 80,500 miles to be correct. The current MOT expires in June 2015 and it will be driven over 30 miles to the sale.

Ordered new with the desirable overdrive option, its big lusty six-cylinder gives this large saloon plenty of go. A highly usable, comfortable and good looking classic Ford, its interesting early history adds a further dimension to the pleasure of ownership.