1958 FORD ZEPHYR MK II Coupe Utility

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1958 FORD ZEPHYR MK II Coupe Utility.
The Ford Zephyr is a car that was manufactured by Ford of Britain from 1950 to 1972. Initially, the four cylinder version was named Ford Consul but from 1962 both four- and six-cylinder versions were named Zephyr, the Consul name having been discontinued on this line of cars.

Mark II Model 206E
In 1956 the Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac were all restyled. The 6-cylinder cars' engines were enlarged to 2,553cc (156 ci), with power output correspondingly raised to 86 bhp (64 kW). The wheelbase and the width increased. The weight distribution and turning circle were also improved. Top speed increased to 88mph (142km/h) and the fuel consumption was also improved at 28mpg (10L/100 km; 23mpg).

The Zodiac and Zephyr were also offered in two body styles these being the "Highline" and "Lowline", depending on the year of manufacture — the difference being 1.75 in (44 mm) being cut from the height of the roof panel. The "Highline" variant featured a hemispherical instrument cluster, whereas the "Lowline" had a more rectangular panel.

There is no doubt that the performance of the Zephyr and the Zodiac series II models was restricted by the rudimentary exhaust system, both the manifold assembly and the exhaust itself. The well-known Raymond Mays complete engine conversion boosted the performance figures to a top speed of 101mph and 0-60 to 10.0s, with a standing quarter mile of 17.6s, as recorded by The Autocar magazine in issue dated 8 November 1957.

As well as a 3-speed manual gearbox there was an optional overdrive and from 1956 (1959 in Australia) a Borg Warner DG automatic transmission. At first drum brakes were fitted all round, but front discs became optional in 1960 and standard from mid-1961 (in Australia only 4-wheel drum brakes were available; some dealers fitted servo-assistance from 1961).

A two-door convertible version was offered with power-operated hood. Because of the structural weaknesses inherent in the construction of convertibles, few convertibles are known to survive.

Australian production
In Australia, the Mark II Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac were built at Ford Australia's factory in Geelong. Sedan, coupe utility, and station wagon versions were produced. The Australian-developed Mark II Station Wagon differed from its British Estate Car counterpart in having a wind-up rear window and a straight C pillar, rather than a curved one. A handful of Station Wagons were registered in 1958, but sales did not really commence until about halfway through 1959. Mark II manufacture continued until 1962, in which year production switched to the assembly of Mark IIIs from imported completely knocked-down (CKD) kits.

New Zealand assembly
New Zealand assembly of the Mark II, also from CKD kits, now included the Zodiac. The big Fords from Britain were now offered alongside the Australian-sourced Ford Falcon and also competed with the Vauxhall Victor and Velox, Holden, and Australia's Chrysler Valiant. Supplies were restricted due to strict import licensing rules in place at the time and demand always exceeded availability; it was not uncommon for buyers to wait two to three years for their new big Ford.

CC rating: 2,553cc 156 ci (2.6L) I6 OHV

NZ First Registration: 20-Jan-1995