Description
Zephyr 6 (Mk1) Convertible: Restored/ Triple Carbs/ Sports Manifold & O’drive
The first-generation Ford Consul/ Zephyr range was introduced at the 1950 Earls Court Motor Show and marked the start of Ford’s successful attack on the family saloon car market.
The new Zephyr featured monocoque construction, OHV 2262cc engine, MacPherson Strut front suspension and “Three on the Tree '' column change gearbox. The trans-Atlantic styling proved popular with public and press alike and the car was an immediate sales success.
The most desirable was arguably the convertible Zephyr that with electric power-hood and when specified with performance manifold, triple carburettors & overdrive gearbox the car really did tick all the boxes.
Milestone Classics do like exceptional Fords and when we were asked to market this 1954 Zephyr Mk1 that was originally exported to NSW, Australia and registered on 1/ 01/ 54 we jumped at the opportunity.
The car was repatriated to the UK in 1999, purchased as a restoration project in 2000 and finally UK registered in 2014. When the car arrived she was red but is now finished in Ford “Coronation Blue”, a period correct colour in honour of Queen Elizabeth II enthronement.
Summary of Restoration:
· All components & related parts were disassembled leaving the body-shell to be stripped back to bare metal.
· NOS wings were purchased, and new door skins fabricated/ rolled.
· NOS jacking points (x3). outer sills and n/ s floor plan fitted.
· Original/ Good rear wings – incredibly rare - were located.
· All body parts were bare metalled and painted before painting.
· Sun-visor – Metal Visor Sourced/ Painted
· All running gear that had been removed was replaced including.
o Ball & Swivel Joints - Replaced
o McPherson Struts – Overhauled (new seals/ pollard top bearings)
o Steering Box – Overhauled (new ball peg cups & rollers)
o Engine – Overhauled
o Gearbox – Overhauled
o Six-Branch Manifold/ Triple Carbs
o Stainless Steel Exhaust
o Rear Axle – Overhauled (all seals and bearings replaced)
o Rear Springs – Overhauled (Re-profiled & poly-bushed)
· Wiring Harness – Replaced
· Chrome – All Replated/ Replaced
· Glass/ Frames/ Windscreen – Stripped/ Glass Replaced
· Radio – Period Ford Radio Purchased/ Fitted
· Steering Wheel – Refurbished and Rare Early Zephyr Horn/ Logo Fitted
· Interior – All Seats/ Door Cards Stripped/ Re-covered in Blue Leather
· Hood – New Three-Position Hood
· Hood Frame – Shot-Blasted/ Painted & Mechanism Overhauled
· Wheels & Tyres - Replaced
· Speedo Zeroed
Today the Zephyr is lovely – the true test of any restoration – and drives as good as she looks with six-pot soundtrack and light induction note - I love her.....
The history folder includes the bill of sale from October 2000 and lots of pictures from the restoration.
Equally at home cruising in Brighton, attending the Goodwood Revival or simply the local pub with friends in the sunshine we recommend early viewing in order to fully appreciate this remarkable car.
