Ford Zodiac
1953–1972 · Mk1 to Mk4 · always the top of the range, never its own body
Four marks of the luxury car — and from the Mk3, four headlamps is all you need to identify one.
Find Ford Zodiac parts by category
RelatedFord Zephyr Mk2Ford Zephyr Mk3Ford Consul
Not listed? Plenty of parts suit several marques and never get the model name in the title — ask us and we will check the books for you.
About the Ford Zodiac
The Zodiac arrived at the London Motor Show in autumn 1953 as the plush version of the Zephyr, and stayed at the top of the range for four marks. Mk1: the same 2262cc six as the Zephyr but on 7.5:1 compression for 71bhp, with two-tone paint, leather, a heater, windscreen washers, whitewalls and spot lamps; 0–60 in 20.2 seconds. Mk2, 1956–62: 2553cc, 85–86bhp, and the same two splits as the Zephyr Mk2 — the February 1959 lowline and the October 1960 / May 1961 front discs from chassis No. 289210. Mk3, 1962–66: 2553cc at 103bhp, servo front discs standard, four headlamps, its own grille and bumpers, limousine-type rear doors, narrower C-pillar, 100.7mph.
The Mk4 of 1966–72 — “Project Panda” — is a different animal and the most important page on this list for suspension parts. Engines are all Essex: Zephyr 4 a 1996cc V4, Zephyr 6 a 2495cc V6, and the Zodiac and Executive a 2994cc V6, 140bhp net at 4,750rpm and 181.5lb ft at 3,000 (AROnline gives the Executive 136bhp). Brakes are servo-assisted discs on all four wheels, with swinging-caliper self-adjusting rear discs. Suspension is fully independent — an independent semi-trailing arm rear, the first Ford car anywhere with that layout. About 150,000 built. Its reputation was handling, and there is a reason: the rear roll centre is too high, weight transfer is excessive, and only 41.5 per cent of the weight sits on the driven wheels. The spare lives angled in the nose to free up the boot.
Ford Zodiac — specification & changes within the model
- Which mark
- Mk1 1953–56, 2262cc, 71bhp. Mk2 1956–62, 2553cc, 85–86bhp. Mk3 1962–66, 2553cc, 103bhp. Mk4 1966–72, 2994cc Essex V6, 140bhp net.
- Brakes by mark
- Mk1 hydraulic drums all round. Mk2 drums, then front discs optional from Oct 1960 (chassis No. 289210) and standard from May 1961. Mk3 servo front discs, rear drums, standard. Mk4 servo discs on all four wheels with self-adjusting swinging-caliper rears.
- Mk2 lowline — February 1959
- Same change as the Zephyr Mk2: roof panel 1.75in lower, larger glass, rectangular instrument panel in place of the hemispherical cluster, new rear lights, stainless brightwork. These parts do not cross.
- Spotting a Zodiac
- From the Mk3 on, four headlamps. A Zephyr 6 has two. On the Mk4 there is a second tell: the Zodiac has an alternator where the Zephyr has a dynamo, plus an adjustable column, Aeroflow ventilation, electric washers, two-speed wipers, and rev counter, clock, ammeter and reversing lights as standard.
- Mk4 suspension — and its reputation
- Fully independent, with a semi-trailing arm rear — the first Ford car with that layout. The rear roll centre is too high, weight transfer is excessive and only 41.5 per cent of the weight is on the driven wheels. If yours handles badly, that is the car, not you.
- The Executive
- Automatic, power steering and sunroof standard; reclining fronts, walnut fascia, inertia-reel belts, fog lamps, radio. About £1,600 — Jaguar XJ6 money.
- New Zealand
- Mk2 assembled at Seaview from CKD kits, Zodiacs included. Seaview built 3,103 Zephyrs and Zodiacs in 1966.