The Mk2 is a bigger car than the Mk1 — wheelbase up three inches to 107in, width 69in — on a 2553cc six of 85–86bhp at 4,400rpm, three speeds with synchromesh on second and top and a 4.11:1 axle. MacPherson struts with track control arms and coils at the front, live axle on leaf springs at the back. A combined key-operated ignition and starter arrived with it. The four-cylinder car in the same shell is the Consul and the luxury version is the Zodiac.
Then February 1959 and the lowline. Ford cut 1.75in (44mm) out of the height of the roof panel, enlarged the glass area, redesigned the dashboard — the highline car has a hemispherical instrument cluster, the lowline a rectangular panel — redesigned the rear lights and changed the brightwork to stainless steel. Roof, glass, dashboard and lamp parts do not cross that line. The second change is the brakes: drums all round at first, then power-assisted front discs available from October 1960 from chassis No. 289210, and standard from May 1961. A 1960 Mk2 may be either. Australian-assembled cars kept four-wheel drums throughout, with some dealers adding servo assistance from 1961, so an Australian car in New Zealand is very likely still a drum car whatever the date on the plate.
Ford Zephyr Mk2 — specification & changes within the model
- Front discs — the exact answer
-
Optional from October 1960, from chassis No. 289210. Standard from May 1961. Drums all round before that. The chassis number decides, not the year.
- Highline or lowline — February 1959
-
Highline: taller roof, hemispherical instrument cluster. Lowline: roof panel 1.75in lower, larger glass, rectangular instrument panel, redesigned rear lights, stainless brightwork. Roof, glass, dash and lamps do not interchange. The February date comes from one source; the others say only 1959.
- Engine
-
2553cc six, 85–86bhp at 4,400rpm. Same block as the Zodiac Mk2. The four-cylinder car is the Consul 204E / 375 at 1703cc.
- Suspension and gearbox
- MacPherson strut front with track control arms and coils; live axle on leaf springs at the rear. Three speeds, synchromesh on second and top, 4.11:1 final drive.
- Australia — drums, always
-
Australian Mk2s kept four-wheel drums throughout. Some dealers fitted servo assistance from 1961. Australia also built its own sedan, coupe utility and wagon bodies at Geelong; the Australian wagon has a wind-up rear window and a straight C-pillar.
- New Zealand
- Assembled at Seaview, Lower Hutt from CKD kits, Zodiacs included.
- Electrics
- 12 volt. The owners’ club spec sheet says negative earth; the contemporary 100E is confirmed positive. We cannot resolve it — check your own car.
