1956 Ford Zephyr Zodiac

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 11000 - 13000 Registration No: 855 XVY Chassis No: 206E8138 MOT: Exempt � Subject to recent a comprehensive restoration to a good standard � Engine and gearbox overhauled as part of the restoration � Finished in two-tone Black and White paintwork � Believed to boast its original interior Introduced in early 1951, Ford's Consul (four-cylinder) and Zephyr (six-cylinder) models were notable for their use of a monocoque bodyshell, MacPherson Strut independent front suspension and hydraulic drum brakes. Able to seat up to six thanks to the provision of a front bench seat and column gearchange, the Ford duo were powered by a new generation of 'oversquare' engines. Notably rugged and surprisingly quick, the 2262cc OHV-engined Zephyr Six proved a highly effective rally car with Maurice Gatsonides winning the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally aboard one and Vic Preston piloting another to victory on the 1955 East African Safari Rally. Unveiled at the 1953 London Motor Show, the range topping Zephyr Zodiac cost �851 and boasted such niceties as: a clock, heater, windscreen washers, gold plated lettering and spot lamps etc. Though solid colours remained optional, most Zodiacs were finished in a smart two-tone livery and all benefited from a higher compression engine and improved 82mph top speed. Only in production between 1954 and 1956, just 22,634 Zephyr Zodiacs are thought to have been sold. Manufactured in 1956, this final year production Zephyr Zodiac was registered new on the 11th June that year. Finished in attractive two-tone Black and Cream paintwork, the interior is trimmed in Red and is believed to be pleasingly mostly original. Provided with a recent comprehensive restoration, the Zodiac received engine and gearbox overhauls as part of this process, as well as a full repaint with the vendor rating the engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork and paintwork, all as �excellent� and the interior trim as �very good�. Reported to be starting, running and driving very well, the vendor notes that the Zodiac cruises well and keeps up with modern traffic with ease. Showing some 64,000 credible miles on the odometer, chassis �206E8138� is accompanied to sale by a V5C document showing two former keepers.