TJ's Ford Zephyr/Zodiac/Consul MK1 facts:Representing a major change of design direction for the Ford company, the new family models introduced at the 1950 Earls Court Motor Show attracted much attention. The newcomers featured all-new, unitary construction bodywork (much lower and sleeker compared with most family cars at that time), plus independant, MacPherson strut type front suspension. Importantly too they were equipped with overhead-valve engines. Under the bonnet of the new Consul (see above) was a 1.7 litre four-cylinder motor, whereas the Zephyr was powered by a lusty 2.3 litre straight six. In both cases, the power was delivered to the rear wheels via a three-speed, column change gearbox. Stylish (and now much sought after) drophead versions arrived in late 1952. October 1953 saw the arrival of a new range-topper, the Zephyr Zodiac (much more advanced than the Zephyr Six), featuring a higher compression engine, fog, spot and reversing lamps, whitewall tyres (like the two I saw have got), leather upholstery, wing mirrors and a host of other standard features. 'Farnham' estate car conversions were offered from 1954. The range was discontinued in 1956, to make way for the new Mark II line-up. All versions are practical and spacious family classics and good ones can cost a fairbit to buy now, too, especially the Svelte convertibles.
Wow factor: **** (out of 5)
The Bottom Line
Produced: Consul and Zephyr Six 1950-56, Zephyr-Zodiac 1953-56.
Bodywork: Four-door saloon estate, two-door convertible.
Engine: Consul: Overhead-valve in-line four-cylinder 1508cc 47bhp. Zephyr/Zephyr-Zodiac: Overhead valve in-line six cylinder 2262cc. Zephyr 68bhp. Zephyr-Zodiac 71bhp.
0-60 mph: Consul: 26 secs. Zephyr/Zephyr-Zodiac 20 secs.
Top Speed: Consul: 70 mph. Zephyr/Zephyr-Zodiac 80+ mph.
Fuel Consumption: Consul: 25-32 mpg. Zephyr/Zephyr-Zodiac 20-28 mpg.
Prices: Consul saloon: 1950's: £300. Today: £2500. Consul Convertible: 1950's: £1000. Today: £8000. Zephyr Six saloon: 1950's £400. Today: £3500. Zephyr-Zodiac: 1950's: £500. Today: £3500+. Zephyr Six Convertible: 1950's: £1600. Today: £9000.
So everyone, that's everything you want to know about the Ford Zephyr Six, Consul and Zephyr-Zodiac Mk1!
TJ
