Ford Zodiac MkIII Manual

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Ford updated their new large car range in 1952, moving to a more contemporary three-box design in line with the general market trend when they introduced their new Consul and Zephyr models.

The designs drew heavily from their American cousins, continuing Ford UK's influence from their masters across the Atlantic. The Zephyr, and later upmarket Zodiac models, were to remain on the price list until 1972 when the new Consul/Granada made its appearance. By 1962, the car was in its third iteration, the MkIII selling well until the ultra-square MkIV arrived in 1966. The MkIII was sold as the Zephyr 4 and Zephyr 6, with top-of-the-range models being referred to as the Zodiac and Executive.

The Zodiac was essentially a Zephyr 6 with different rear doors, a narrower ‘C’ post and a redesigned tail. Bumpers were increased in size and the grill modified to take quad-headlights to differentiate it from its cheaper siblings . Inside, the dashboard got wood trim and the extra-plumped seats could be ordered in leather trim for those with deeper pockets. Its 109bhp six-cylinder engine could propel the Zodiac to over 100mph at a cost of £1,070 including Purchase Tax.

First registered in April 1965, this lovely Zodiac III has had just two owners from new, the first keeping it for 47 years. When the car last changed hands in 2012 it was treated to a substantial refurbishment which included a bare metal repaint in white with all new door, window and boot rubbers; rebuilt engine; new clutch and flywheel; rebuilt diff; electronic ignition; all new brakes and copper pipes; stainless steel twin exhaust plus much else besides.

It comes with a good history file including many bills and old MOTs and has covered some 93,000 miles from new with a documented speedo change earlier in its life so the 77,358 miles showing is not correct. Appearing to be in very good order throughout and said to run and drive well, it has an MOT until the end of August 2016 with no advisories recorded.