Motor Car History
 Veteran - Vintage - Classic - Modern
Motor car history
Understanding the Automobile
Toggle Navigation
  • Home
  • Makes and models
  • Motor car History
  • Innovations
  • Trivia
  • Help Guide
  • links
  • You are here:  
  • Motor Car
  • Make and Model
  • F
  • Ford (europe)
  • Ford Zodiac Mark III (1962-1966)

Ford Zodiac Mark III

1962 to 1966
Ford Zodiac Mark III 1960s
Overview
Production 1962-1966 77,323 made.
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon 5-door estate (conversion)
Powertrain
Engine 2,553 cc (156 cu in) straight-6
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107 in (2,718 mm)
Length 182.75 in (4,642 mm)
Width 69 in (1,753 mm)
Height 56.75 in (1,441 mm)
Curb weight 2,828 lb (1,283 kg)

 

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 seat 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.

Ford Zodiac Mark III front

A Mk III saloon tested by the British The Motor magazine 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-Zodiac-mk3 side

Ford New Zealand 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, was again available but was a rare factory option as most buyers chose manual.

Ford Zodiac Mark III engine

As well as the 'Zephyr 6', Ford NZ built a six-cylinder 'Zephyr Special' with a lower equipment level and deletion of the boot lid trim strip and other exterior brightwork which was sold to fleet operators such as the government.

Ford Zodiac Mark III rear

The big Fords were unusual in having four-speed manual gearboxes when rivals, including Ford's own Falcon, had only three speeds. Building the top luxury Zodiac model locally again also gave Ford a supply advantage over key rivals such as Vauxhall whose upmarket Cresta was only ever sold fully imported and much harder to obtain than the locally assembled Velox.

Ford-Zodiac-mk3 rear

 

Ford (europe)
Return
Ford Zodiac Mark II (1956-1962) 96 / 97 Ford Zodiac Mk IV (1966-1972)
Send
Print
More information on
Ford Zodiac Mark III

Related

motor car on you tube

Categories
Ford (europe) | Ford
Vehicles launched in 1962 | Ford Zodiac | 60s Film Cars | Straight-6 cars

Ford Europe models

  • Ford Escort
  • Ford Fiesta
  • Ford Focus
  • Ford RS
  • Ford ST
  • Ford capri
  • Ford Cortina
  • Ford Cougar
  • Ford Granada
  • Ford Galaxie
  • Ford Transit
  • Ford Anglia
  • Ford Consul
  • Ford Mondeo
  • Ford Prefect
  • Ford Taunus
  • Ford Zephyr
  • Ford Zodiac
  • Ford Sierra

Ford Engine Types

  • Ford Diesel Engines
  • Ford Zetec
  • Ford CVH
  • Ford Duratec
  • Ford Duratorq
  • Ford EcoBoost
  • Ford Kent Engine
  • Ford Pinto
  • Ford V4 engines
  • Ford Essex V4 engine
  • Essex V6 engine
  • Ford V6 engines
  • Ford Cologne cars V6
  • Ford V8 Engines
  • Ford 335 V8
  • Ford inline-4 engines
  • Ford Straight 6 Engines

Ford USA Models

  • Ford Bronco
  • Ford Country Squire
  • Ford Econoline
  • Ford Mustang
  • Ford Ranchero
  • Ford Thunderbird

Read more in this section

Ford Prefect 107E (1959–1961)
Ford Prefect 107E (1959–1961)
Read more...
Ford Fiesta Mk 4 (1995-2002)
Ford Fiesta Mk 4 (1995-2002)
Read more...
Ford Consul Corsair (1963-1970)
Ford Consul Corsair (1963-1970)
Read more...

  • You are here:  
  • Motor Car
  • Make and Model
  • F
  • Ford (europe)

Back to Top

© 2021 Motor Car History

X

Right Click

No right click