Ford Executive MkIV Automatic

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Ford introduced a new luxury model, the Zodiac, to its big saloon range in 1954. The Zodiac was based on the six-cylinder Zephyr and used a high compression version of the Zephyr engine.

The Zodiac came with an incredibly high specification for its time and was aimed squarely at the emerging executive class. By 1966 the Zodiac had entered its last generation of development, the MkIV, which featured square-rigged American styling, all-round disc brakes and independent suspension. It also came with a new 3.0-litre V6 engine, power steering and a floor change manual gearbox, although an automatic 'box was also available. Spacious and luxuriously appointed inside, it also had a useful turn of speed – when tested by Autocar magazine in 1967, the automatic version could hit 100mph and could accelerate from 0-60mph in 13 seconds.

The ‘Executive’ was an upmarket version and had the highest specification offered by Ford to UK customers in the 1960s. Automatic transmission, power steering and a sunroof were standard equipment. Other features included fully reclining front seats, walnut fascia, full instrumentation, carpeting throughout, reversing lights, fog lamps, front inertia reel safety belts and a radio. The Executive was distinguishable from other models by exterior trim and name badges on the front and rear. Production ended in 1972 by which time just 48,846 MkIV Zodiacs of all types had been sold, making survivors a rare sight on the roads today.

Dating from May 1968, this Executive was acquired by the previous owner from classic Ford specialist ‘Affordable Classics’ of Essex in 2002, the vendor purchasing it from him in 2007. Venetian Gold Metallic with a dark green interior, it was in regular use until 2008 when it was put into storage.

Although the car has covered some 93,700 miles, a bill in the history file indicates that it was fitted with an exchange engine in May 2005 at a cost of £1,491. Various other bills show regular maintenance while nine old MOTs show that the car has covered some 35,300 miles since 1995. A workshop manual is also included, as are a pair of black front seats from a Zodiac, while an uprated Facet fuel pump has been fitted at some time.

Currently on SORN and with no MOT, the vendor advises that it will require attention to the coachwork, the interior and the electrics to restore it to its former glory. Being sold here at no reserve, it looks like a straightforward project which could be returned to the road with relatively little effort and gradually improved over time as desired.