In 1956, the Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac were all restyled and launched as the “Three Graces”.
As the highest specification of three models, the Mark II Zodiac was slightly altered to distinguish it from the lesser Consul and Zephyr variants, having more elaborate tail-end styling, a different front grille and featured two-tone paint, whitewall tyres, chrome wheel-trim embellishers and gold-plated badges. All Zodiacs came with the 2,553cc straight six cylinder engine.
As a 1957 car, this is a “Highline” variant, with a higher rear roof line than the later “Lowline” model, introduced in 1959. Other distinguishing features of the Highline variant, were round reflectors on the tail light assembly and body coloured headlamp rims, which help visually lengthen the front end of the car, making for some, a more balanced car visually, than the Lowline model, which featured chrome headlamp rims. In addition, the “Highline” variant featured a hemispherical instrument cluster, where as the “Lowline”, had a more rectangular panel.
The car was subject to a 5 year full “nut and bolt” restoration of the bodywork, interior and mechanical componentry.
The car has travelled just 460 miles since its restoration and is registered as an historic vehicle, so is tax and MOT exempt, although the most recent MOT (with no advisories) expired in May 2023. In addition, the car is also ULEZ exempt.
It is now offered in excellent condition, as a truly exceptional example of this marque and model and all the rarer, having been factory fitted with the optional extra 3 speed Automatic gearbox.
The car was subject to a bare metal respray in two tone Azure Blue and White, as part of the restoration, which included replacement panels shipped in from Australia. In addition, new seals and rubbers, were also fitted, as well as new stainless steel bumpers, re-chromed trim and new badging.
The restoration was subject to a comprehensive documented photo-history. In addition, the car is fitted with a period external sun-visor, which visually helps lower the roofline. Finally, a custom tow-bar has been made for the car, which although not fitted, comes with it.
Aldridge Trimming provided the stunning blue and cream leather two-tone seats and door cards and the car has been fitted with high quality new carpets, under which thick felt sound deadening has been laid.
All door furniture is in excellent condition and the rear window has been fitted with a period interior sun-blind.
All gauges and switch gear work as they should and additional gauges offering temperature, oil pressure and rev counter, offer useful additional engine monitoring over and the standard instrumentation. The car has been retro fitted with a period style Blaupunkt Frankfurt, push button radio, with speakers fitted discreetly under the front seats, to avoid damaging the new door cards.
Finally, a new heater matrix was fitted during the restoration.
The 2,553 cc straight 6 engine is wonderfully smooth and was the subject of a complete rebuild by a specialist, as part of the restoration. Since its engine rebuild, the car has since covered just 460 miles.
As well as a full engine rebuild (with a reconditioned head for unleaded fuel), other engine related works included, the refurbishment of the vacuum pump and carburettor. In addition, upgrades included an alternator conversion, change to negative earth, a new stainless steel exhaust, coil, battery, plugs, HT leads, distributor, starter motor, radiator overhaul and new Kenlowe fan. The electrics have also been overhauled, including wiring looms. There are detailed invoices evidencing the engine works and parts replacements.
The 3 speed Borg Warner was an expensive optional extra for the car costing £187.00 in 1957, equivalent to £5,768 in today’s money. As part of the restoration, the gearbox was subject to a full rebuild by a specialist and operates smoothly and kicking down promptly, when required.
The suspension, provides for a plush, compliant ride, with a level of handling that belies a car of its size and age. The suspension was overhauled as needed during the restoration, which saw the fitting of uprated leaf springs and Superflex suspension bushes.
The car sits on the correct 13 inch steel wheels, fitted with new 175/80/13 whitewalled Maxxis tyres. These along with the spare were all professionally refurbished as part of the restoration and present in excellent condition. The car is also fitted with chrome hub caps and additional chrome wheel embellisher rings.
The braking system features the correct drums all round which were all overhauled as part of the restoration. In addition, a new master cylinder and brake lines were also fitted all round.
Finally, the car comes with its original jack and wheel brace.
In addition to the existing underbody protection, the entire underside and wheel arches has recently been treated with Lanoguard Automotive. This is a long lasting rust prevention and waterproofing treatment, for the whole underbody and chassis, which is resistant to jet washing, heat, salt, acid and alkaline. As such, the car is now very well protected against all the challenges, our weather can throw at it.
In addition to the V5C and most recent MOT certificate, the car comes with a hugely comprehensive set of invoices detailing the restoration works, as well as the most recent pre-sales preparation invoices. In addition, there are photos of the car pre-restoration and a memory stick comprising over a hundred photos documenting the actual restoration. In addition, there is correspondence with the DVLA relating to the re-instatement of the original registration number of the car to be used, following a significant period of the car being off the road. Finally, the documented history comes with a plethora of original factory user and parts manuals, a Haynes manual, Haynes Ford Consul/Zephyr/Zodiac super profile book, a Ford Workshop Manual, various Zodiac Owner’s club magazines and a number of original dealer’s brochures.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
