The Mark IV's new V-engines left no room for a spare under the trunk, so Ford tucked the spare wheel in front of the engine, under the bonnet, instead.
Lead trim: 2.0 Essex V4 (Zephyr 4) · up to 120 hp
Ford Zephyr Mark IV1966–1972
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Ford Zephyr Mark IV yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactThe Mark IV's new V-engines left no room for a spare under the trunk, so Ford tucked the spare wheel in front of the engine, under the bonnet, instead.
In 1961 Ford began a complete redesign of the Zephyr under the title "Project Panda", using the new V-series engines, and Harley Copp required the car to be both larger and have more internal space, coming up with the idea of placing the spare wheel ahead of the radiator on an angle. The result was a vehicle of similar dimensions to the North American Ford Fairlane. The Mk IV range was launched not at an October motor show but in early 1966, with the Zephyr 4 having a 1,996 cc V4 and the Zephyr 6 a 2,495 cc V6, and independent suspension aided by servo-assisted disc brakes on all wheels. Criticism of the handling of early examples in the UK led to the fitting as standard of radial-ply tyres on the larger-engined version.
Collectors Spotted in the Ford Zephyr Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Ford Zephyr yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
2 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Essex V4 (Zephyr 4) | 1966–1972 | 2.0 L V4 | 92 hp | 122 lb-ft | — | — | — | — |
| 2.5 Essex V6 (Zephyr 6) | 1966–1972 | 2.5 L V6 | 120 hp | 132 lb-ft | — | — | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
The Mark IV's new V-engines left no room for a spare under the trunk, so Ford tucked the spare wheel in front of the engine, under the bonnet, instead.
The Mark III Zephyr's clean restyle came from Roy Brown — the same designer responsible for the Ford Edsel, one of the most notorious commercial flops in American car history.
The designer behind this Zephyr's shape also penned the Edsel and the Cortina — Canadian stylist Roy Brown, with an assist on the rear from Italy's Frua.
In 1957, a complete Raymond Mays engine conversion pushed the Zephyr Mark II to 101 mph — a genuine leap for a family saloon, timed by The Autocar that November.
In 1953 an ordinary Ford Zephyr Six beat a Jaguar Mark VII outright to win the Monte Carlo Rally.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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