1967 Ford Zodiac Executive *Sold £8,250*

Description

• Two former keepers 
• 3.0 litre Essex V6 engine
• Auto gearbox
• Previously in a collection 
• Incredible condition 

Spacious, comfortable, great to drive and easy to maintain, what’s not to like? In the late sixties, the team at the Blue Oval could do no wrong; they were selling more hits than The Beatles. 

The top of the range Ford Zodiac Mk4 Executive was an exercise in shock and awe. The Executive included stylish quad headlights, automatic transmission, power steering, sunroof, reclining front seats, walnut fascia, fabulous instrumentation, carpeting throughout, reversing lights, fog lamps, and a 140bhp Essex V6 – all for a Jaguar beating £1,600. 

History 

• First registered 8 March 1967 
• Engine number GK46118 
• Chassis number BA58GK46118 
• With our vendor for five years 
• Prior to that it was in a collection in Scotland 
• Only two previous owners 

Though the Zodiac was in decent enough condition and very original, our vendor Neil decided to deal with the various age-related degeneration issues. The Ford Zodiac was totally stripped and painted; as you can see the result is impressive. 

Outside 

There’s something very appealing about this big Ford Zodiac. The styling looks crisp today and the well kitted-out Executive feels very civilised. As a classic cruiser they are cool as well as comfy. That fascinating view along that aircraft carrier of a bonnet will keep a smile on your face as you waft along, window down, elbow out. 

• Quad headlamps 
• Sunroof 
• Original hub caps – how on earth have they stayed on 
• Full reflective rear panel integrated with rear lamps 
• Brightwork all in good condition 
• Driving lamps 
• Exquisite chrome front number plate holder 

What a package. Although you can still source panels, by the looks of it you won’t be needing to anytime soon. Take a good look through the Gallery. Pay particular to the door bottoms and outer sills, wings, and engine bay. Everywhere in fact.  

Inside 

If the outside is impressive, step inside. The Executive interior is to die for. 

Huge space. Comfort. And that dashboard. 

• Neil tells us the interior is “all original” 
• It is, frankly, remarkable 
• Original two spoke steering wheel 
• Walnut dash 
• Inset gauges dominated by the large speedo and rev counter 
• Upper left are the four auxiliary gauges 
• Below is an array of switches, all the descriptions still clearly readable 
• Adjustable steering column 
• Aeroflow ventilation.  
• Electric window washers 
• Two-speed wipers 
• Reversing lights  
• Centre arm rest 
• The condition of the seats, door cards, carpets, and headlining are as good as we’ve ever seen on one of these 

Being in that collection has preserved the interior in this condition. It is like a time machine. Step inside, shut those big doors with a reassuring ‘clunk’ and you’re instantly transported to a time when cars were made properly. 

Our vendor has confirmed that the odometer reading is 36,991 miles. He advised: I’ve no documentation to support this but I’m sure it’s correct due to the condition of the car.

Mechanicals 

• Power steering 
• Auto gearbox
• 3.0 litre Essex V6 engine 
• 140bhp 
• A top speed of 110mph – don’t try it today 
• Four-wheel discs brakes 
• Independent rear suspension 
• MacPherson strut front suspension 

The now famous Essex V6 was new in the Sixties and fitted exclusively to the Zodiac Executive.  

‘Motor’ magazine road tested the 3.0 litre Zodiac, ‘since this is the first UK Ford to have all independent suspension, we approached it with particular interest. Let us say right away that in comparison with the previous Zodiac, the extra cost of this arrangement is justified’.  

The magazine wasn’t renowned for flowery language, so this was pretty good. 

Summary 

Style, space and comfort are just a few of the things that could be said about the Ford Zodiac Executive. Desirability when new, condition now, and scarcity are a few things that make classic cars valuable and attractive. 

This Ford Zodiac has them all. With most of these big Fords now charging around in Banger Racing heaven, these once popular Fords are now nowhere to be seen.   

Whether you love Zodiacs, love Fords or just love classic cars, cars like this come along very infrequently. Best of all, this is reserved incredibly sensibly. Some lucky bidder is getting a great car.