Zephyr 4 Mark III
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Overview
Production 1962–1966
Designer Roy Brown
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
5-door estate (conversion)
Related Ford Zephyr 6 Mark III
Powertrain
Engine1,703 cc (104 cu in) Zephyr straight-4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107 in (2,718 mm)
Length 180.75 in (4,591 mm)
(saloon and estate)
Width 69.25 in (1,759 mm)
Height 57.25 in (1,454 mm) (saloon)
57.75 in (1,467 mm) (estate)
Curb weight 2,576 lb (1,168 kg) (Saloon)
2,912 lb (1,321 kg) (estate)
Model 211E
In April 1962, Ford replaced the Consul/Zephyr/ Zodiac range with a dramatically restyled model, although it shared some of its mechanical components, as well as the basic chassis design, with the Mark II models. Rather than continue the Consul name, Ford UK decided to call its replacement Zephyr 4, the 4 indicating that it still used the four-cylinder 1,703 cc (104 cu in) engine from Consul 375. A four-speed manual gearbox, now with synchromesh on all ratios, was standard, with overdrive or automatic transmission available as options. Front disc brakes were standard. During the production run, the nose styling was changed and the grille lowered. The Zephyr lettering moved from the front edge of the bonnet to below the bonnet opening and the ‘4’ badge below the grille was eliminated.
Zephyr 6 Mark III
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Overview
Production 1962–1966
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
5-door estate (conversion)
Powertrain
Engine2,553 cc (156 cu in) Zephyr ohv I6
Model numbers 213E, 214E (right- and left-hand drive)
The Zephyr Mark III shared some of its mechanical components, as well as the basic chassis design, with the Mark II, but had a stronger overall body construction. The exterior was designed by Canadian Roy Brown, who had also designed the Edsel and the Cortina, though the rear of the body was inspired by a design proposal by Frua. Unlike the Zephyr 4, the Zephyr 6 had a full-width grille including the headlight surrounds; overall body length and width were the same for both Zephyr III versions. With the same 2,553 cc (156 cu in) displacement as before, the Mark III model had higher compression ratio, resulting in some 20 hp (15 kW) higher output, as well as a broader torque range.
Zodiac Mark III
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Ford Zodiac Mark III saloon (213E)
Overview
Production 1962–1966
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
5-door estate (conversion)
Powertrain
Engine2,553 cc (156 cu in) Zephyr ohv I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107 in (2,718 mm)
Length 182.75 in (4,642 mm)
Width 69 in (1,753 mm)[10]
Height 56.75 in (1,441 mm)
Curb weight 2,828 lb (1,283 kg)
Model numbers 213E, 214E
The Zodiac was an upmarket version of the Zephyr 6, but differed considerably from that model by the limousine-type rear doors, sharper roofline (with narrower C-pillar) and tail, unique grille (four headlights instead of two), exclusive bumper bars, plusher seating, and up-market upholstery, dashboard, and interior fittings. A choice of individual or bench front seats was available trimmed in leather or cloth. The front doors and bonnet panels were shared with the Zephyr 6. The Executive version had extra luxury fittings again. The 2553 cc, single-carburettor, six-cylinder engine was improved internally to increase the power output to 109 bhp and a new four-speed all synchromesh transmission with column change was fitted. The brakes, servo assisted, use discs at the front and drum at the rear.
A Mk III saloon tested by The Motor in 1962 had a top speed of 100.7 mph (162.1 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 13.4 seconds. A touring fuel consumption of 22.6 miles per imperial gallon (12.5 L/100 km; 18.8 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1070 including taxes on the UK market.
Ford New Zealand initially built the Zephyr 4 and 6, as well as the Zodiac, locally from CKD kits, offering only the bench front seat option finished in vinyl. Automatic transmission, introduced late in the life of the Mk II, were again available, but were a rare factory option, as most buyers chose manual. As well as the Zephyr 6, Ford NZ built a six-cylinder Zephyr Special (which replaced the 4) with a lower equipment level and deletion of the central vertical grille bar, boot lid trim strip, and other exterior brightwork, which was sold to fleet operators such as the government. The big Fords were unusual in having four-speed manual gearboxes when rivals, including Ford's own Falcon, had only three-speed ones. Building the top luxury Zodiac model locally also gave Ford a supply advantage over key rivals such as GM's Vauxhall, whose upmarket Cresta was not assembled locally after 1960, and once available only as a fully imported model, was much harder to obtain than the locally assembled Velox.
Only saloons and estate cars were made, the estate being a conversion by Abbotts of Farnham.
