Now What Are These Old British “Z” Cars I Like?
Thapson
British domination in building “regular” cars has sadly faded away. They still build outstanding cars loved the world over, but they’re unique and pricey. So, let’s look at two quintessentially English cars I love from their heyday. Both start with the letter “Z.” So, what are these old British “Z” cars I like?
Among the largest British cars then, they represented either money, or a level of officiality. Especially in Police colors. Extensively used in UK, and likely all its colonies, once these cars got on your tail, you were likely done for. I just love the lines, the look, and overall design of this robust English product. There were others before and after, but I personally liked the 1962-72 model versions the best. These “Z” cars were Ford Zephyr and Zodiac.
Ford Zephyr and Zodiac: A Quick History
The origins of the Zephyr actually go back to 1950. These models were the largest cars in the Ford stable. And earliest models are actually the Zephyr and Consul.
The Consul was normally available as a 4-cylinder, and the Zephyr, a 6-cylinder. Hence the name Zephyr 6. The Zodiac, an updated version of the Zephyr, is introduced in 1953. And so, sees the birth of the Ford Zodiac. We will take a closer look at the early years of the Zephyr, Consul, and Zodiac on another post.
Right new we jump to 1962, and to the birth of the all-new Zephyr, and the evolution of the Consul to a completely different looking model (we’ll check out later). We see a jump in the look of the Zephyr from the rounded profile to a sleeker one with tail fins – my favorite look.
Zephyr and Zodiac: A Closer Look
The models I am refer to here are the Zephyr 4 and 6 Mk III made from 1962 through 1966. And the similar looking Zodiac Mark III made in the same production years. The only difference between the Zephyr 4 and 6 was the upping of the engine size from 4-cylinder 1.8 Liter to the 6-cylinder 2.5 Liter respectively. While the Zodiac (for the same production years) all have the bigger engine, some cosmetic changes including the extra headlamps.
This was the Zephyr and Zodiac through the mid 1960s. But nothing remains constant, except change, so subtle changes likely help in their evolution. But it is in 1966 that big changes occur in this lineup.
Zephyr and Zodiac Mark IV
While the Mark III looks cool through the early 60s, things are happening in the British Ford stable with evolving styles. Entering the mid-60s, Ford develops the big Zephyr and Zodiac Mark IV. While I am sad to see the demise of the old look, the update is not bad at all. Ford apparently takes cues from their new Ford Cortina styling. The new design is an update from the older style look of the Mark III of the previous models. Gone are the tail fins, and the old lines, replaced by the new “boxy” in vogue then. The engine size on these new vehicles ranges from the 2 Liter all the way up to the 3 Liter versions for the Executive edition.
And so, the Zephyr and Zodiac Mark IV join the new generation of cars. All the while maintaining that “dominant” look.
Final Words
This was a quick look at the unique pair of British cars I like to refer to as the “Z” cars. Just one look at their designs and you know why they stand out for me. Especially my favorites for the year models covered here. I have avoided a more detailed review as that can get a tad bit too wordy – something I like to avoid.
Ad for a Ford Zephyr III / YouTube – Mackenzie Rough
Just the looks, not an overly detailed critique or analysis – something I will leave for those with a more technical bent of mind. So these were the 1962–72 British Ford Zephyr and Zodiac!
We’ll check out another interesting classic next time. Your feedback is welcome below.
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