Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; only 32,000 miles indicated and believed
correct; lovely paintwork and original interior; overdrive; recent new clutch
and brake overhaul; runs like a sewing machine; a fabulous example of this rare
Fifties Ford
Unveiled at the
1950 London Motor Show, the Zephyr was the largest passenger car in Ford’s UK
range and was fitted with a straight-six 2,262cc engine mated to a three-speed
manual gearbox. From 1953 a more upmarket Zephyr Zodiac version was available
with a higher compression engine which raised power to 71bhp, plus luxuries like
leather seats, windscreen washers, front spot-lights, a cabin heater and
optional overdrive.
The MTH
registration number implies that this lovely Zodiac was supplied new in
Carmarthenshire in 1956, the last year of production for the MkI before it was
replaced by the rather less glamorous MkII.
Although there is no early history, 13 old MOTs show the mileage
creeping up from 19,838 in 1996 to 24,709 in 2006. It now shows 32,049 miles
which could well be correct, judging by the overall condition of the car.
Bocking Garage of Keighley clearly presumed it was genuine, their ad in Classic
Car Mart in 2003 stating: ‘Only 24,000 miles from new’.
It has had seven owners in the last 40 years, according to the V5C,
invoices on file showing that in October 2014 it was acquired by a Mr M McCarthy
of Leeds for £15,000. The next owner was a Mr Gore of Hereford who acquired it
via a Mathewsons auction in October 2017 for £18,421. The current owner acquired
the car via Brightwells in July last year for £11,440 to join his collection of
fine classics but sadly died before having much chance to enjoy it.
There
are lots of bills back to the late-1990s to show regular servicing with various
new parts fitted and regular waxoil treatment underneath. Recent stand-out items include a new
clutch kit in November 2017 and in 2018 it got a new set of carpets, a new
windscreen and the exterior door handles were re-chromed.
Most recently, in June 2019 it had a major service and check-over by
Zodiac Motor Services of Kent which cost £3,550 (full brake overhaul;
carburettor rebuild; engine tune-up; new clutch and slave cylinder; new dynamo;
new battery etc.) and it has only covered 140 miles since.
As you can see in the photos, this Zephyr Zodiac looks absolutely
wonderful with glossy black paintwork and nicely mellowed original leather
upholstery. We can confirm that it also drives remarkably well for a Fifties car
with supremely comfortable and rattle-free suspension, good brakes,
light steering and an engine that runs like a sewing machine.
The best MkI Zodiac we have seen, it is on offer
here from a deceased estate at a very enticing guide price and will be
much-admired wherever it goes. As you can probably tell, we like this car a lot
and we are sure that you will too.
Consigned
by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com