Zephyrs also proved popular with such boutique manufacturers as AC, which used its engine in its Ace and Greyhound sports cars. The aftermarket (at least in the UK) again catered to the Zephyr with go-fast parts like this Aquaplane intake manifold and triple carburetor. Front disc brakes, available since 1960, became standard the following year. The standard gearbox was still a three-speed manual, but overdrive–or, for the first time, a Borg-Warner automatic–were available. Engine performance was improved as well, with increased horsepower (from 68 to 88) and better fuel economy despite an almost 300 cc boost in displacement. In order to tame oversteer, the MK II wheelbase was increased by 3” to 107” also, width increased significantly, to 69” from 64”. One of the complaints about the earlier Zephyr had been its sometimes-hairy handling. Sedan, wagon and coupe utility (truck) versions were available straight from the factory. Queen Elizabeth II was among many famous owners of an estate car hers was given a bit of additional height in order to provide the royals with a little extra headroom, presumably for their crowns.Īustralia went a different route, producing its own range from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits. These variants were extremely costly when new, and are sought after by collectors today. Similarly, the five-door estate (wagon) was converted and sold by Abbott of Farnham. Like the MK I, a convertible conversion by Carbodies was available. Collectively, the models were known as “The Three Graces”.Īgain, the only factory-built body style was a four-door saloon. The Zodiac shared the Zephyr’s six-cylinder engine. The Zodiac (above) was the posh version, with two-tone paint, a revised front grille, distinctive rear styling and other niceties. One step up the ladder was the Zephyr, which netted its buyer a powerful, newly-enlarged 2,553 cc straight six. The Consul (above), powered by a 1,703 cc four, was once again the lowest trim level. MK II prototypes had been up and running since 1954, extensive testing done throughout 1955, and in 1956 came the official debut. The transatlantic styling was the work of Colin Neale’s team, and it proved to be very popular with the press and the buying public alike. With over 150,000 produced, the MK I Consul and Zephyr (above) were very successful models for Ford of Britain, but after a five-year run it was time for a serious refresh. While the previous edition recalled the ’49 Ford, this one’s even more-Americanized styling took its inspiration from post-1952 American Ford sedans. We’ve already seen the Chevrolet Cadet-inspired British Ford Zephyr MK I now let’s move forward a few years to visit its successor, the MK II.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |