Ford Zephyr 6 MkIV Special

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Ford launched its first Zephyr in 1951 and the car was to go through four generations of development before it was finally replaced by the Granada in 1972, being available in both four- and six-cylinder versions.

The final MkIV version made its debut in 1966 with a choice of 2-litre V4 or 2.5-litre V6 engines. Aimed squarely at the emerging executive class, it featured bold, squared off American styling (somewhat similar to the Mustang) with a vast bonnet which had enough room underneath to house not just the engine but also the spare wheel. All round disc brakes and independent suspension helped to keep the whole plot on the road but, if truth be told, handling was never one of the Zephyr’s strong points.

In November 1971 Ford advertised a new ‘One in a Thousand Zephyr’, a limited edition of 1,000 examples based on the 2.5-litre V6 saloon. The exterior featured a unique scheme of Uranium Blue metallic paint with Parchment White vinyl roof and the cars were prepared by Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department. The specification incorporated most of the available options as standard including fabric trim, rear centre arm rest, heated rear screen, Zodiac wheel trims, wing mirrors, bumper over-riders and a push-button radio.

The new Zephyr was promoted with a competition to name the car (the prize being one of the 1,000 examples), to be judged by racing driver Graham Hill. Something of an anti-climax, the winning name chosen was 'Zephyr Special' which is how the cars were badged.

This particular Zephyr Special was purchased new in December 1971 from Endeavour Ford of Redhill (whose sticker can still just about be seen in the rear window) by a Mr Vaccaro who was to keep the car right up until late 2004. The vendor acquired the car from its second owner in June 2005 as a fully roadworthy and presentable vehicle with some 52,500 miles on the clock.

A Ford enthusiast, he has used the car regularly throughout his 10-year ownership, attending many shows and even pressing it into use as a daily driver from time to time, the odometer now reading 65,200 miles which is believed genuine and is partially backed up by many old MOTs going back to 1988 at 49,714 miles. Always well-maintained by the vendor, the car has received localised body repairs during his care, along with a new clutch slave cylinder, water pump, alternator, steering box, prop shaft, engine tune and, most recently, a complete exhaust system.

Said to run and drive well with an MOT until June 2016, it comes with various invoices for routine maintenance, an original handbook and Zephyr sales brochure plus copies of contemporary sales literature from the time of the Zephyr Special launch. Believed to be one of only three roadworthy examples left and said to be the most original of all the survivors, it is only reluctantly being sold due to a recent house move and consequent loss of storage. It is being offered here at no reserve so the highest bid takes it.