BUYER'S BREIF
Ford’s enormously imposing exec is a shrewd purchase, suggests our man James Walshe
Why you want one
Ford’s new Z-car for 1966 was from an era when big was still better and crikey, this one was a whopper! Dagenham’s imposing executive was launched at a typically glitzy event, held by Ford in sun-drenched Tunisia and, with a competitive price tag and a promise of unrivalled luxury for the money, hopes were high. While in the end it was never a massive sales success for Ford, the MkIV is a joyous barge to pilot nowadays – especially in the face of the stressful bustle of modern traffic and our craggy road surfaces. All three versions of this giant – Zephyr, Zodiac and Executive – are exceptionally comfy cruisers with acres of room, interesting mechanicals and a look all of their own. Around 150,000 MkIVs were built before the pan-European Granada and Consul came along in 1972, so while your choice won’t be great, there are still examples around well worth a look. Here’s how to find the very best.
Which one do I want?
The Zephyr came with the choice of 1996cc V4 or 2495cc V6 engines while the 2994cc Essex V6 was used in the plusher Zodiac and deeply luxurious Executive. There was early criticism for rather wayward, front-heavy handling so Ford fitted anti-roll bars, along with radial tyres to V6 cars, both of which helped improve matters. Saloons were joined by an officially embraced estate variant, built by Abbott of Farnham. In 1971, a thousand Zephyr Specials arrived all painted Uranium Blue with a white vinyl roofs, fabric seats and other joys. Even the basic Zephyrs were well equipped, but the Zodiac got twin headlamps, a cigar lighter, twin-speed wipers, massive seats and reversing lights. However, find an Executive and you’ll get a sunroof, power steering, reclining front seats, thicker carpets, a walnut fascia and more power. The brightwork extends across the rear of the car, into which the lights were incorporated.
