1956 Ford Zephyr Zodiac MkI

Description

Only 32,000 miles indicated and believed correct; lovely paintwork and original interior; recent new clutch and brake overhaul; a real stunner

Unveiled at the 1950 London Motor Show, the Zephyr was the largest passenger car in Ford’s UK range and was fitted with a straight-six 2,262cc engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. From 1953 a more upmarket Zephyr Zodiac version was available with a higher compression engine which raised power to 71bhp, plus luxuries like leather seats, windscreen washers, front spot lights and a cabin heater.  

The MTH registration number implies that this lovely Zodiac was supplied new in Carmarthenshire in 1956, the last year of production for the MkI before it was replaced by the rather less glamorous MkII.

It has had six owners since 1985, according to the V5C, our vendor acquiring the car in 2019. He has covered just a few hundred miles in the car, not wanting to add too much to the indicated mileage of just 31,985 which is believed to be genuine. Although this can’t be warranted, it is certainly plausible given the overall condition of the car, an old MOT from 2006 stating the mileage as 24,709 at that date and recording no advisories.

Invoices show that not long into our vendor’s ownership he sent it to Zodiac Motor Services of Kent for a good check-over. This included a full brake overhaul with new brake lines, pads, seals etc; a carburettor rebuild/tune up; new clutch and slave cylinder; new dynamo and a new battery.

As you can see in the photos, the car looks stunning with glossy black paintwork and a nicely mellowed original interior. Starting promptly and driving nicely on site, this is by far the best MkI Zodiac we have ever offered and would sit well in any collection.  

Contact: Quintin.hayward@brightwells.com