OUR LOVE AFFAIR WITH Ford Zephyr's really started some time ago, in fact as far back as the early 1950's! You see, this was the time when Owain was still a lad, and was often found with his nose pressed hard against the showroom windows, admiring the latest models.
Remember, this was at a time when a new car was either a necessary working tool for people like commercial travellers, or a luxury item for the well to do financially. Public transport was the normal way of travelling to work, going out, shopping trips and the like, and for those who could afford a car, the pre war models prevailed. Mind you, without any annual testing, and with very little motoring legislation applied, provided the car would go - then off you all went!
But back to Zephyrs. Our local Ford Garage owner had a new MKI Zephyr convertible no less, and wasn't that a car to be seen in! They sounded powerful, they could spin their back wheels, and overtake most everyone else. They had to be good, the police forces used them!
In about 1958, a friend visited my father, and arrived in a brand new Zephyr II Convertible. Oh how I wished we could win the pools, or rob a bank or something. We had to pick up some lorry parts that day, and I was told to go with the visitor to show him the way. Just before we left, our visitor asked me if I had passed my driving test, and also could I drive an automatic car. I truthfully replied 'yes' to the first part, and not so truthfully 'yes' to the second - well I knew I was a quick learner! He asked me to go by myself so that he could talk to my dad. I don't know if he ever checked the mileage that day, but the Zephyr cruised around a fair bit of North Wales before reluctantly returning home! What a car!
In the mid 60's, my second car was a MKII Zephyr, used to travel from Southend to Chelmsford each day, and back home to North Wales most weekends. That one had an overdrive fitted too. Fuel consumption was always around the 26mpg mark, and I can't remember it ever breaking down. The only slight drawback was that servicing cost that bit more - six plugs not four, and a bit more oil, but only a little price to pay for such comfort, speed and space.
Then came along a green MKIII Zephyr 4 for a change. Lots more room again, and a four speed gearbox which went a long way to compensate for the loss of two cylinders. Surprisingly enough, there was less than 5mpg difference in fuel consumption between 4 and 6!
Over the years a number of Zephyrs have been and gone, but some have stayed with us for some time. We bought a 53 Zephyr Six almost twenty years ago, NOM 17, and still have it now. It is seen on a good many of our family photo's, and toured the car rallies for around ten years as well. Semaphore indicator arms are of no practical use nowadays, but were boasted about when the car was new. In contrast, the leather interior was standard then. How priorities have changed! The six cylinder engine is a nice relaxed unit, and combined with such a low ratio gearbox gives ample torque. The crossply tyres and hard steering you have to get used to however! Motoring from a bygone era.
When Ford announced a new Zephyr it was something totally different from its previous model range. Imagine the excitement when the MKII range was released. We still have a 1961 Zephyr Six which we keep in regular use. It tows our 16' caravan with ease, transports brides to the church in style, and can still leave a puzzled face or two behind at traffic lights!
Whereas the MKI Zephyr was a classy car, the MKII range fitted in with the Rock and Roll era image. Bright colours, lots of chrome, coloured plastic seats, and room for a radio provided for the first time. Mechanically, an improved six cylinder engine and snappier gearchange gave the car even more 'get up and go'. We quite often use ours to tow the car transporter trailer, sometimes with another Zephyr as the load!
About the only improvement we have made to our MKII Zephyr is the use of radial tyres. We are always conscious of the fact that there is only single line braking, and one leak will lose all four wheel braking. In other words, none at all! We would like to fit a dual circuit master cylinder, and if you have any advice or experience here we would like to hear from you please.
A couple of years ago we fitted a new engine to the MKII. The original unit was still running after more than 120,000 miles, but was making some groaning noises from the crankshaft area! The replacement engine was fitted without cutting out the front panel, yes, it can be done without dismantling the engine!
Spare parts for Zephyrs are not hard to come by, from suppliers of old car items, and service items such as plugs, points and filters are readily available. There is such a camaraderie amongst Zephyr owners that spare parts are made available between each other in order to keep our favourite marques proudly motoring on.
We have often said that the Zephyr is an entirely practical car, even if you do not share our love of the model. It is roomy enough to carry six people, has ample power and acceleration, will tow heavy weights without complaining, and for us is very pleasing to the eye.
And OK, our pipe dreams of the fifties have finally come to fruition, albeit quite a few years later. That's our excuse anyway!
Owain and Alvina Williams
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