Speed limits are lower now than in the 1960s, so something like a Zephyr/Zodiac, particularly if equipped with overdrive, is more than capable of dealing with any requirements, with the added bonus that you do not need a computer to maintain it!
This just goes to show how capable,and practical these cars still are.My late Father loved his 3 Litre Zodiac,used to drive it up to Scotland from Berkshire to my Mother's family,120mph on some sections of the M6, this was mid 1970's.Thanks for the great video.
Agree I had one. 5200 rpm. Speedo reads higher but the V6 will cruise at a ton easy . Followed a jaag back down M6. I couldn't get past but he couldn't leave me. Difference was two fuel tanks .run out of fuel . Golden balls or not I coasted into a garage . Lucky or what .. Used to build the engines on the assembly line .one tip keep original zodie cam or fuel consumption goes up.. long story .@@Diggers-Garage
Yes I remember them well. The first one i saw,was a taxi and it had 60K miles in 1966 The car had been towed into our local garage, the owner was complaining the was on the second engine, He wished he had kept his Mk 111. Later experience said the 2.5 Litre engine was not good. I understand most of the faults were fixed in the 3 Litre engine models, but by then the damage was done..
had a MK4 called the 'Battle star' as an apprentice toolmaker I made a block that allowed me to take off the old ['Zenith?'] carb and put on 2 DC40 Webber Twin chokes. I couldn't put the air filter back on as it was too high against the bonnet. First time out on the street, turned right and floored it. Drive shaft broke. 2 Different types of wheels and tyres, back were from a Transit. Eventually coming home from a nightclub in the snow, a Renault 5 lost control and bumped us into a ditch. The driver came over to see if we were OK as all 17 of us poured out. Good times.
Gorgeous car, I remember our family being driven to Kings Cross Station in 1966 by a chauffeur taxi company in a black one before my Dad bought our first car.
We had a v4 which ended up matt black after a bike hit it and my dad's friend sprayed it on the cheap. Could shift for the time too.... Nice to see someone from south Yorkshire (know all about them roadworks near meadowhell) 😅
Fantastic. The view over the bonnet of my first car in 1978. Also a Zephyr IV V4 in Silver Fox. Used to take it from Surrey to Yorkshire every month up the M1 and drive it as fast as I could. Eventually resulting in a blown head gasket. It had the floor change which gradually got stiffer until I nearly needed two hands to change gear. I never found out why that happened as I wasn't too mechanically adept at that age.
Now oddly enough, my father's Zodiac did that - but it turned out that the linkage was clogged up with coarse brick dust from the brickyard he worked in. He pressure-washed it underneath and sure enough, the linkage eased again.
My late father had a 1967 v4 auto in 1972 and we was going to Wales there was me a10 year old in front my mother and my sister and two dogs and luggage for a five week stay at my Nans house and while my mother and sister was asleep my farther open it up and we got too just over 100mph on the clock he had the car up till 1981 when it was tow away to the breakers yard
@@tylerhamilton-nz8qs remember many moons ago. South London team come to arena Essex in cambridges our regulations didn't allow anything.bigger .went south London. With our Cambridge. They came out with old jags roller yanks and a Hearst. Not one Cambridge left running. .
They used to fit them engines into the NSU RO80, it was the only thing small enough to replace the notoriously unreliable Wankel engine. The purists would say "oh what a ghastly Ford thing to put in there" But the V4 gave the NSU something it never had before... torque/reasonable fuel and oil consumption/reliability.
V4 was notorius for blowing head gaskets! I could replace mine in my 2000GT XLR Ford capri in under 30 mins having done it so many times! But otherwise it performed well.
I do this exact same run every Saturday morning (early doors,) down the Sheffield Parkway to Jct 33, south down the M1, turn off onto the M18 and go northeast as far as DS Robin Hood Airport, turn off the motorway, and then get back on to the M18 and back southwest towards Sheffield, rejoining the M1 southbound and immediately leaving the motorway at Jct 31 and head back into Sheffield. I do it because I drive a diesel and it doesn't get a proper run around during the week, so I take it on the motorway to give it a prolonged high speed run to clean the DPF out. I used to join the M1 at Jct 33 and drive down to Jct 30 (Barlborough) and head back into Sheffield, but when they started with these roadworks last year (and are expected to last until next year) a blanket 50mph limit all the way isn't enough to get the exhaust up to a hot enough temperature.
My dad had V4 Corsair Remember it having a different engine sound to the mk1 cortina it replaced Great car for fishing & holidays Huge boot it seemed at the time First car he had I really liked
Had a 1967 two litre zephyr in maroon. Lovely car to drive and no rust which was good for 11 year old car. Had a rear wheel bearing collapse and disintergrate without any warning.local ford dealer fortunately had one in stock so a roadside repair was carried out andback on the road again.
My first time on your channel, I absolutely love it , I’m 62 and born in 1962 my dad was a lover of cars All sorts and my older brother he loved his jaguars and American cars I have so many memories of dad and the one stunning zodiac executive, to me it was like a Rolls Royce, my first car at age of 16 was a dreg zephyr 4 that I paid £130 for in 1978, but 4 weeks after I got it my girlfriend told me she was pregnant it broke my hart but had to sell it back to the guy I had it off, to pay for wedding ring, your video brings back sitting in dad’s zodiac and lining the cross sites on bonnet with cars in front and pretending to shoot them out of our way 😂😂 thanks for video all though a v4 not v6 like dads but takes me back my dad was only 53 when he passed I was 21 and you have brought me so much joy like being with dad in his executive that he thought he was the king of the road in ❤
Fantastic! Last big UK Ford with column change, at least optional, and recirc ball steerimg. Granadas back to floor change and rack and pinion...shame!!
superb video! i drive for a living and recently i've seen a series 3 E type and a citroen light 15 on my travels, my reaction at seeing those two classics was one of complete joy, if i'd seen your mk4 i'd have been just as pleased, one of my all time favourite cars is the zephyr/zodiac mk4, i cannot understand why the so called 'classic press' are always running them down and loving non classics from the 90s and even 21st century, a great demonstration of the mk 4s prowess on the motorway, brilliant!
Thanks very much for your comment, totally agree with your views of the classic press for whatever reason these cars are always given a wide berth. I have found myself kicking back against negativity against these well thought out cars, that were way ahead of there time and have started to put some effort into putting the real facts about them on video for the world to see. Pleased you enjoyed it.
That's something I don't 'get' - in what way can a car from the 90s and 00s be called a 'classic'? They're just an old car - although when I said that on another channel, I was accused of being elitist!!
Mine was black with an olive green vinyl roof and upholstery. It went like the proverbial s..t off a shovel too. It would have been perfect with a 289 or 302. Overheating was an issue with an idiot lead-footed teen driver though. The front sway bar mount detached from the flimsy mounting frame and had to be welded. But it was luxurious and even had the push-button radio that illuminated purple (Motorola?), and a day/night rear view mirror that was a novelty then. I’d seriously consider selling my SRT8 to get a nice one, but then maybe not so much. As Joni Mitchell says “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”. 😭🙂👍🏻 Probably banging on a bit here, but they were always a bit floaty and with the modern bolt-on suspension alternatives available now and some electronics they could be made into a very capable daily driver, without compromising collector value. The back-end used to squat a lot and the aforementioned front sway bar is a weak point. The chaps back in the day used to put the spare tyre where it belongs in the boot and open up the grill to install a decent V8. I had a Zephyr with a Chevy 283 later on, but it never did run well, probably due to the body rejecting it. Although a mate had one with a 327 that was formidable. You’re fortunate to have found a good one, and these cars were always held back by Ford’s managerial timidity when they could have been exceptional. I hope it brings you joy! 👍🏻
That spare wheel in front ? Hit a car turning right. That wheel saved me. .not a scratch. Car totalled . Yes the spare wheel with tool kit behind it. When mini cabbing east london kept my friend in that tool bag for runs up into hackney or isle of dogs . Yuppy land now i believe
Fond memories of borrowing my Dad's Z4 and impressing my GFs in the early 70s! The column change meant a front bench seat which meant you didn't have to persuade your lady friends to move to the back seat when parked up somewhere private! Magical memories! I also worked with a guy who had either a Zephyr 6 or Zodiac and he was famous for the condition of his car and for polishing the under side of the bonnet!
Thanks for commenting, first put on Zodiac and Executive plus Zephyr Delux in 68 car in video should not have it will be removed when I do so minor paint repairs so it's standard.
my dad's zephyr with a 2.5 V6 motor was poor, it is lovely now with a 3ltr + a towing camshaft ziebarted from new, still in damned good condition [paintwork is scratched + thin in places] i have lost my dad, so it needs to be sold, what do you think it is worth? 1972 on a k
I'm a Rover P6 fan, I own two, but I must say that I am really impressed by how the big Ford drives down the motorway. I always had a soft spot for a Mk IV Zephyr/Zodiac. There's something special about the shape... The long flat slabs of metal, the long bonnet.. As a child I had the Matchbox model in light blue metallic... Loved it! Great video. Greetings from Italy ❤
@@danieleregoli812 thanks for the comment. Fetched a 1966 Zodiac from Italy a couple of years ago video of the car on my channel it's a one previous owner.
Watching this makes me realise just how much I really miss proper old wing mirrors that let you see up the side of the car and behind you without taking your eyes off the road
I didn't think Zephyr 4s had the bonnet mascot - I thought that was just a Zodiac thing? Fine motor car though, most impressed. It's interesting that you mentioned the V4 was better of fuel than the Pinto engine - my father replaced his Zodiac with a 2 litre Cortina 80 and he noticed it was worse on fuel than the Zodiac.
I had one of these,in my case a Zodiac Executive. The trade name for these was , the flying pig or the Dagenham disaster. The handling was awful. I’d previously had a Triumph 2000, which had far better handling and much better build quality. They really should be viewed as an American car.
Am glad someone else can see through this misty eyed nonsense in that there was a good reason for being called the flying pig, they were worth very very little back in the day due to this fact. A terrible car made by ford.🥺👍
@Diggers-Garage it was an H reg as well , VVA186H , he bought it from Airdrie Ford Dealership James A Laidlaw when it was around 4 years old, I think it was £595!!! He had a Mk2 Cortina 1600 Super DeLuxe before it, KSN414F and a God awful Mk2 Escort Popular, KUX90P after it, what a comedown that was!!! 90p was about how much Ford spent on its interior trim!!
Exactly the same as my first car. Passed my driving test in it in '78. I think the examiner was impressed with my three-point turn. And my furry dashboard.
Reminds me of my sitting in and later driving my dad's zephyr 4 which he bought from new, in1965 think it was a 1700 engine, which you would know better than me. Beautiful smooth column change and comfortable. Driving was a pleasure without the roadrage of today. I later became fire brigade driver in the dennis 106 and 108 non synchro boxes. Still driving at 73 and still commenting about the lack of driving skills of today. Keep enjoying it mate 👍.
In 1973 my brother bought the Ford Capri 2.0 litre GT with the V4 engine finished in Daytona Yellow and the black vinyl roof, this car was a real head turner and such a fast mover with a high pitched whine as you accelerated but he was offered the chance of going upmarket and buying the Capri 3 litre E with the V6 engine which you may recall was the favoured choice of engine when owners of Triumph Stags were replacing their engines due to head warping issues.
Firing order 1342 means it fired on one side of the V motor after each other causing vibration, giving the need for a balance shaft to compensate for this.
You poor devils in UK what with your petrol prices thru the years .In 1974 I had a drive of a friends car ,on a private road of course,3 plus driver.The Zodiac had a Ford 302 ci V8 fitted,mated up to the original 4 speed manual.The torque rowed that beast up to 120 mph dead easy with more on tap.The main deficiency was the need to counter the vehicle’s tendency to swerve from side to side.Perhaps the aerodynamics left something to be desired.Great times in a fine old chassis.
@@Diggers-Garage The 302 interestingly was probably a continuation of the lightweight,thin wall casting 240 260 289 cubic inch family that probably weighed no much more than the Bowl in Piston V6 engines.
@@dungareesareforfools A small block V8 would have turned the Mk 4 into a dynamic car like the Australian 4.4 litre Leyland P 76.Admittedly this engine descended from the all alloy Buick unit.Of course the Ford unit could have gained some aluminium goodness by in stalling alloy heads and inlet manifold.Also the tuning potential of the Henry 8 was vast.Amazing to think that the sidevalve Ford engine had alloy head options wayback in year dot.
What they're doing is constructing extra break-down lay-bys, as an answer to the criticisms that have been received following the removal of the hard shoulder in to-to. And it obviously solves the problem and calms the fears of the motorist.... I don't think.
I had the Zephyr deluxe 2.5 , silver trim on the arches and along the sides . I eventually put in the 3 ltr engine but the 2.5 was actually ok . Best thing I did was install power steering from a Zodiac, without it was hard parking. Different ratios on the diffs between 2.5ltr & 3ltr
Installation of power steering was an astute move, I remember the manual steering getting pretty heavy when the shocks were tired. Ford ought to have made power steering standard on V6 Zephyrs, the extra cost may have paid dividends in the form of better sales. In New Zealand the Zephyr had 3 litre motors and 3.7 to 1 final drives from 1968. The car continued be supplied with 4.5 x 13 inch wheels and 6.70 crossplies, subsequent fitting of 175 x 13 inch radials resulted in significant under gearing and speedo inaccuracy.
@@michaeltoohey1385 thanks for commenting. Power steering could be bought as a complete part listed in parts list not available for V4 to be honest doesn't need it.
@@michaeltoohey1385 I had 14 inch falcon rims on mine with radial tyres. Made the handling far better than the skinny 13 cross ply Tyers they came out with.
@@gordonrosswhitehead5052 In Auckland in the 1990s and early 2000s I spotted a number of Mark IV Zephyrs on the road with 6x14 inch Falcon rims, 185 radials and XA or XB hubcaps. The wheels and tyres looked so totally correct, the cars might have been designed for then.
My uncle from Greasebrough used to have one of these. He used to bring it down to Cornwall on holiday once a year and cause havoc in the local country lanes . An impressive car when parked up next to my Grandads A35. Great video!
I crashed my father's Zodiac Mk lV in 1969, when I was 17. I approached a left hand corner too fast, applied the brakes hard and the car just ploughed straight on. I hit the cab of a large truck and I wasn't wearing a seatbelt. I was bruised but largely uninjured. The front of the car was reduced to the front if a Mini. Somehow I kept hold of the steering wheel, which prevented chest injury. The car's extra long front absorbed the impact and probably saved my life. I thought the MklV was a terrible vehicle with appalling handling and brakes BUT I'm still alive and I guess that's due to the car's length and the spare tyre in the front, which absorbed some of the impact. I was responsible for the accident 100% but the Rover P6 that my father previously considered possibly could have avoided a collision. (They were a dynamically more sophisticated vehicle, but my father was convinced only 6 cylinders made smooth engines). Modern vehicles are so incredibly better than old ones. The difference is phenomenonal. I drive a Stinger GT. It's rear wheel drive. In a skid pan this car has proved almost impossible to loose control. Modern cars make bad drivers safer than excellent drivers in the 1960s. I used to have an E-type. The Stinger does everything better than a supercar of the old days. To those thinking of buying a classic old car, I say "Don't". Old cars aren't nearly as much fun as a modern vehicle. The reliability of a MkIV Zodiac would make it a misery to live with. Buy modern. Benefit from the safety and technology of 2024 and bear in mind - my Stinger can run rings around a Ferrari Daytona, (which would cost 20x the price).
@@NoosaHeads thanks for the interesting comment, a story of significant importance in growing up and learning how to handle a vehicle. We obviously share the same reasoning on classic car ownership I always explain the issues that come along with finally purchasing one it's a lot different than the TV shows portray. I still feel my cars can keep up with any modern vehicle in reliability issues but I have a lifetime of experience. Also would survive an impact, but all my cars are not rotten and if they have been repaired it's been undertaken in the correct manner. Another point to take into consideration would be tires and their condition MKIV's are very sensitive to different types. Thanks again for a great story.
Glorious old barge of a car...the old man had one back in 72; front bench seat and manual column change. He's gone now so this footage is loaded with memories from a better time.
If I recall correctly, an Autocar road test of a manual V4 Deluxe recorded a maximum speed of 99mph. With 3.7 to 1 final drive ratio, 19.7mph per 1000 revs, 70mph is well within the car's ability.
My first ever 'car drive' was at age 12, sitting between my dag's legs, but doing all the pedal work, shifting, and steering myself, in his 1962 Mk3 Zephyr 4. I still remember it accelerated 'quite well' in 2nd gear when i mashed the throttle pedal all the way down. 'WHOA!'..he said. Anyway this was on the long narrow dual lane exit road from a regional airport and so was a dead straight stretch of road for about a mile or two possibly, just outside of Ardmore, Auckland NZ.
Mi Mam had a MK3 Ford Zodiac Had it painted in Bentley British Racing Green Lovely bench seat front, column gear change. Crochet tissue box on Back window cill. Sure hers were 6 cylinders. From Richmond Sheffield.
Brings back memories of the Mk4 in NZ. The silver grey one i had as a commercial traveller in 1974 was the Zephyr with the 3 litre Essex V6 in it. NZ wanted the big engine for towing caravans and the like. Flat out it would do an indicated 103mph.
Jeremy Clarkson once drove a Mk4 for Top Gear but it was a Zodiac with the bigger 2.5 or 3 litre engine. Short boot, long bonnet where the spare wheel is. I have never travelled in one, but remember going in my grandad's Mk2 Cortina that was the Zephyr's small brother. How many Mk4s are left?
My father had one in that colour, V6 model 2.5 I belive it did 115mph was a fast car in its day, was so comfortable we all loved it, that was in the 1970s the plate number was YHE 16J
@@MrSimplesimon007 thanks for commenting, I honestly can't believe how many stories of these cars I've received, glad video brought you some happy memories.
In 1968 we were on a family holiday in Torquay, dad had a new Zodiac. We visited Babbacombe beach where the road down to the beach is a 3 in 1 hill. On the way out, the car would cut out halfway up the hill. After a few attempts, dad called the AA. The guy filled a small pop bottle with petrol and connected it to the carb. The car climbed the hill easily. The AA guy said that the Zodiac's fuel pump wan't strong enough to drag the fuel from the tank due to the steep incline! Otherwise is was a lovely car.
Everyone seams to have forgot with the misty eyed nostalgia that they were nicknamed the Flying Pig. There was a good reason for this name, they were rubbish ! Cooling problems due to stupid position of the radiator, Terrible rot boxes and handled terribly.
@@MarkClarke-q7j thanks for commenting, Ford had a handling issue with car lifting rear wheel but was put correct on change of turning circle and new bushing system to front suspension. Using winter and summer correct thermostats stopped any overheating issues. As I have pointed out time after time and drive these cars daily I do not suffer from these issues as I maintain cars correctly.
We used to have a problem with both back lights they kept filling with water. Even after new seals they still filled with water but they never blew any of the brake and side lights never did find where it was coming from even fords never found where it was leaking from
@@mobius8002 thanks for the comment, car has no trouble getting 30 MPG around town does it on a regular basis. Autolite carb bit more greedy on Zenith but a little quicker on pick up.
That's an impressive bonnet! Nice video. Here in Holland they were very rare, unlike the MK3. I once had a Capri with the Cologne V4 1.7; also that weird sound. Never understood why these engines were totally different. Only after '73 Ford understood the Parts Bin advantages.
@@sebastian0107 thanks for commenting, got a one owner LHD Zodiac MKIV I fetched from Italy it's a one owner car these cars were rare in Italy as well. Video of this car on my channel.
@@Diggers-Garage Yes, I just found out you took an interest in them. Italian import; I bought many classics there; no rust, mainly from wealthy 1th owners who could afford the maintenance. Well worth saving these Zephyrs and Zodiacs: they were over-engineered! Have fun with them!
I owned two MK4 Zephyrs here in New Zealand. Both had been fitted with Cleveland 302 V8 engines at the dealership. The 302 was found in the Australian Ford Fairmont. The original 3.0 v6 tended to eat the oil pump drives. The Mk4 was an excellent car way ahead of its time.
I loved the mk4 mainly cos of that HUGE bonnet ! Sadly by the time mk4 Zephyrs dropped into my price range (around 76) most were badly rusted and lets be honest they could never be described as economical, although few cars were at that time. Did manage to get a Corsair v4 1700 auto, me and the girlfriend (later wife) loved it but you could see the fuel gauge needle moving when on a motorway !
@@ryszardlorenc7047 thanks for the comment, Corsair was a lot less economical than Zephyr probably gear ratios. Not out of the way for me to get 30mpg round town and high up 30s on the motorway at 60 mph. But the car is always set up best it can be it's now serviced and running far better than motorway run video.
@@Diggers-Garage Thanks for reply BTW can't tell you how envious I am seeing you drive that car ! Don't know what it is about the MK4 but none of the other Consuls/Zephyrs appealed to me (not even the Z-Cars MK3) Funnily enough the mid 20s (on a good day)Corsair consumption was'nt a massive problem cos petrol cost pennies instead of ££s at the time, as you are no doubt aware.
I have one in my garage if any interested restored it years ago with 10 new panels fitted 3 ltr, took it to over 100 mph still with throttle to spare solid car dry stored
Great stuff cross ply tyres please ..for original specs...oh lets just drift/skate to where ever !!!! Oh wonderfull steeeing wheel so old , could be brittle by now on impact , only to go straight through you .... new cost of another windscreen?????? Or any glass???? Headlight replacement cost???? Please tell all !! Total rubbish ... v4 hold on , never to attain anything over 50mph then in such a heavey car , no doubt heavier than original due to filler used ... ha ha ha ...
These are a cool car. Independent suspension in the back. Strong as. Nice comfortable ride and handle well. I thought the V4 got recalled and the V6 put in. Then used the V4s in the Mk I capri's and first of the transits.
The glaring omission from your video is a look round the exterior of the car, and perhaps a look under the bonnet. You need to remind us of how this seventies classic looks from the outside. Disappointing.
@@duncan649 thanks for the comment, there is a full video of this car on my channel showing every detail. The motorway run was a request in the comments from that video.
Why were they nicknamed flying pigs and dagahanam disasters then? Nothing to do with cooling, head gasket faults due to stupid place for radiator, terrible handling problems, insane corrosion etc, etc, Terrible car made by ford. The Granada which replaced it was 100 times the car of this model. Ford went from terrible with the zodiac to brilliant with the Granada.👍
My comment was about how they went good v6s are fine and just remember. The triumph stag and allegro all have their followers as the bad build quality and engineering was attended to but I'm not a fan granada is better
Just sat down with a beer and watched this. Brilliant, just waiting for the music from Auf Widersehen Pet to start with Oz at the wheel. 😆
I thought the same but a better example than Oz's and hasn't got an odd-coloured door !
@@Roger.Coleman1949 And the sump didn't drop off Hahaha.
Oz's was a Six! (And an automatic.) 🤓
914
I don't believe it
I'm watching auf wiedersehen right now..
My old man had one
72
The fuel bowl leaked
Over the exhaust
The spare tyre caught.
Looking through that
Windscreen & seeing a speed camera.
Didn't seem right.
Speed limits are lower now than in the 1960s, so something like a Zephyr/Zodiac, particularly if equipped with overdrive, is more than capable of dealing with any requirements, with the added bonus that you do not need a computer to maintain it!
Thanks for commenting, old designs in the modern world would keep a lot more old cars on the road for longer.
This just goes to show how capable,and practical these cars still are.My late Father loved his 3 Litre Zodiac,used to drive it up to Scotland from Berkshire to my Mother's family,120mph on some sections of the M6, this was mid 1970's.Thanks for the great video.
Thanks for the comment, The Zodiac had the extra punch especially on the motorway,it wasn't hard for them to hit 3figures.
Agree I had one. 5200 rpm. Speedo reads higher but the V6 will cruise at a ton easy . Followed a jaag back down M6. I couldn't get past but he couldn't leave me. Difference was two fuel tanks .run out of fuel . Golden balls or not I coasted into a garage . Lucky or what .. Used to build the engines on the assembly line .one tip keep original zodie cam or fuel consumption goes up.. long story .@@Diggers-Garage
Yes I remember them well. The first one i saw,was a taxi and it had 60K miles in 1966
The car had been towed into our local garage, the owner was complaining the was on the second engine, He wished he had kept his Mk 111. Later experience said the 2.5 Litre engine was not good. I understand most of the faults were fixed in the 3 Litre engine models, but by then the damage was done..
@@teresamelvillem6378 working on assembly line they were same engine ..but ?? Taxi. No oil changes. Not even Toyota's could stand that .
Ah yes those halcyon days before those motorway speed camera gantries
I’m 57 now , took me right back to early 70s out with my Dad in his Zephyr . Dad was heavy smoker , so remember full ashtray. ❤
@@stuartwatson6345 thanks for the comment, that's good everyone has a MKIV Zephyr story that's why I never alter things.
had a MK4 called the 'Battle star' as an apprentice toolmaker I made a block that allowed me to take off the old ['Zenith?'] carb and put on 2 DC40 Webber Twin chokes. I couldn't put the air filter back on as it was too high against the bonnet. First time out on the street, turned right and floored it. Drive shaft broke. 2 Different types of wheels and tyres, back were from a Transit. Eventually coming home from a nightclub in the snow, a Renault 5 lost control and bumped us into a ditch.
The driver came over to see if we were OK as all 17 of us poured out.
Good times.
@@tennentssuppa thanks for the comment, great story so many people have experiences with a MKIV
Great drive, the Zephyr well capable of staying with traffic.
@@bmw-e30 thanks for commenting. Upto the job.
Gorgeous car, I remember our family being driven to Kings Cross Station in 1966 by a chauffeur taxi company in a black one before my Dad bought our first car.
Road Works and no one working. Created to annoy the driver.
We had one of these new in 1966 - a huge car at the time - followed by a V4 Corsair - a lovely car.
Got a 67 and 68 V4 early some videos to come
2000E needs a V6 to make it a 3000E. Must be in Silver Fox.
We had a v4 which ended up matt black after a bike hit it and my dad's friend sprayed it on the cheap. Could shift for the time too.... Nice to see someone from south Yorkshire (know all about them roadworks near meadowhell) 😅
Fantastic. The view over the bonnet of my first car in 1978. Also a Zephyr IV V4 in Silver Fox. Used to take it from Surrey to Yorkshire every month up the M1 and drive it as fast as I could. Eventually resulting in a blown head gasket. It had the floor change which gradually got stiffer until I nearly needed two hands to change gear. I never found out why that happened as I wasn't too mechanically adept at that age.
Now oddly enough, my father's Zodiac did that - but it turned out that the linkage was clogged up with coarse brick dust from the brickyard he worked in. He pressure-washed it underneath and sure enough, the linkage eased again.
My late father had a 1967 v4 auto in 1972 and we was going to Wales there was me a10 year old in front my mother and my sister and two dogs and luggage for a five week stay at my Nans house and while my mother and sister was asleep my farther open it up and we got too just over 100mph on the clock he had the car up till 1981 when it was tow away to the breakers yard
Just love how nothing bothers you so laid back brilliant
Thanks for the comment, I've had my share of grief over the years you just get used to it.
It's a crime how many of these MK IVs were used for banger racing. Nice car, glad you're enjoying it.
Thanks for the comment, just a fact of life happened to a lot of other models.
No good for bangers . Front legs bend . Cambridge best banger with a mgb GT engine
@@colinstickland3130 xj6 jags were absolute beasts on the banger tracks!
@@tylerhamilton-nz8qs remember many moons ago. South London team come to arena Essex in cambridges our regulations didn't allow anything.bigger .went south London. With our Cambridge. They came out with old jags roller yanks and a Hearst. Not one Cambridge left running. .
They used to fit them engines into the NSU RO80, it was the only thing small enough to replace the notoriously unreliable Wankel engine. The purists would say "oh what a ghastly Ford thing to put in there" But the V4 gave the NSU something it never had before... torque/reasonable fuel and oil consumption/reliability.
Thanks for commenting, worked well in R080
My dad had a V4 transit. The engine gave trouble so it was replaced with a Perkins diesel.
@@philhawley1219 4108 I bet would have been a bit steady with that in.
@@Diggers-Garage It was slower and noisier but more economical and reliable.
V4 was notorius for blowing head gaskets! I could replace mine in my 2000GT XLR Ford capri in under 30 mins having done it so many times! But otherwise it performed well.
I do this exact same run every Saturday morning (early doors,) down the Sheffield Parkway to Jct 33, south down the M1, turn off onto the M18 and go northeast as far as DS Robin Hood Airport, turn off the motorway, and then get back on to the M18 and back southwest towards Sheffield, rejoining the M1 southbound and immediately leaving the motorway at Jct 31 and head back into Sheffield. I do it because I drive a diesel and it doesn't get a proper run around during the week, so I take it on the motorway to give it a prolonged high speed run to clean the DPF out. I used to join the M1 at Jct 33 and drive down to Jct 30 (Barlborough) and head back into Sheffield, but when they started with these roadworks last year (and are expected to last until next year) a blanket 50mph limit all the way isn't enough to get the exhaust up to a hot enough temperature.
My dad had V4 Corsair
Remember it having a different engine sound to the mk1 cortina it replaced
Great car for fishing & holidays
Huge boot it seemed at the time
First car he had I really liked
Thanks for the comment, totally unique sound to V4 as it has a balance shaft due to it's firing order causing balance issues.
Had a 1967 two litre zephyr in maroon.
Lovely car to drive and no rust which was good for 11 year old car.
Had a rear wheel bearing collapse and disintergrate without any warning.local ford dealer fortunately had one in stock so a roadside repair was carried out andback on the road again.
Thanks for the comment, rear wheel bearings can be a bit noisy and cause some issues.
My first time on your channel, I absolutely love it , I’m 62 and born in 1962 my dad was a lover of cars All sorts and my older brother he loved his jaguars and American cars I have so many memories of dad and the one stunning zodiac executive, to me it was like a Rolls Royce, my first car at age of 16 was a dreg zephyr 4 that I paid £130 for in 1978, but 4 weeks after I got it my girlfriend told me she was pregnant it broke my hart but had to sell it back to the guy I had it off, to pay for wedding ring, your video brings back sitting in dad’s zodiac and lining the cross sites on bonnet with cars in front and pretending to shoot them out of our way 😂😂 thanks for video all though a v4 not v6 like dads but takes me back my dad was only 53 when he passed I was 21 and you have brought me so much joy like being with dad in his executive that he thought he was the king of the road in ❤
Thanks for the very nice comments, pleased you enjoyed it do have a video of a V6 on channel and other MKIV'S.
I ran these as taxis in the 70s, (1974) the Metallic Green called Aquatic Jade. They were abloody good car.
Thanks for commenting. Sorting the bodywork out on Zodiac is the same colour at the moment.
Fantastic! Last big UK Ford with column change, at least optional, and recirc ball steerimg.
Granadas back to floor change and rack and pinion...shame!!
@@AdrianBarnes-o6w I had a V4 1970 floor change x a beauty
@@RolyHough thanks for the comment, most taxi men have the same opinion
superb video! i drive for a living and recently i've seen a series 3 E type and a citroen light 15 on my travels, my reaction at seeing those two classics was one of complete joy, if i'd seen your mk4 i'd have been just as pleased, one of my all time favourite cars is the zephyr/zodiac mk4, i cannot understand why the so called 'classic press' are always running them down and loving non classics from the 90s and even 21st century, a great demonstration of the mk 4s prowess on the motorway, brilliant!
Thanks very much for your comment, totally agree with your views of the classic press for whatever reason these cars are always given a wide berth. I have found myself kicking back against negativity against these well thought out cars, that were way ahead of there time and have started to put some effort into putting the real facts about them on video for the world to see.
Pleased you enjoyed it.
That's something I don't 'get' - in what way can a car from the 90s and 00s be called a 'classic'? They're just an old car - although when I said that on another channel, I was accused of being elitist!!
I had the 3L Zodiac as a teen in the 1970’s. Wish I had it now! 👍🏻
Thanks for the comment, got a 66 Zodiac on my channel LHD one owner car fetched from Italy
Mine was black with an olive green vinyl roof and upholstery. It went like the proverbial s..t off a shovel too. It would have been perfect with a 289 or 302. Overheating was an issue with an idiot lead-footed teen driver though. The front sway bar mount detached from the flimsy mounting frame and had to be welded. But it was luxurious and even had the push-button radio that illuminated purple (Motorola?), and a day/night rear view mirror that was a novelty then. I’d seriously consider selling my SRT8 to get a nice one, but then maybe not so much. As Joni Mitchell says “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”. 😭🙂👍🏻
Probably banging on a bit here, but they were always a bit floaty and with the modern bolt-on suspension alternatives available now and some electronics they could be made into a very capable daily driver, without compromising collector value. The back-end used to squat a lot and the aforementioned front sway bar is a weak point. The chaps back in the day used to put the spare tyre where it belongs in the boot and open up the grill to install a decent V8. I had a Zephyr with a Chevy 283 later on, but it never did run well, probably due to the body rejecting it. Although a mate had one with a 327 that was formidable. You’re fortunate to have found a good one, and these cars were always held back by Ford’s managerial timidity when they could have been exceptional.
I hope it brings you joy! 👍🏻
He didn't sell it cos the ashtray was full, did he???
The grim beauty of the ashtray contents is now a major selling point.
Cigarette butts in the ashtray. 'This butt was smoked in 1965.... and this one in 1968' ?🤣🤣
You could talk in there and you were not vibrated to death , seems like a nice old car .
That spare wheel in front ? Hit a car turning right. That wheel saved me. .not a scratch. Car totalled . Yes the spare wheel with tool kit behind it. When mini cabbing east london kept my friend in that tool bag for runs up into hackney or isle of dogs . Yuppy land now i believe
Fond memories of borrowing my Dad's Z4 and impressing my GFs in the early 70s! The column change meant a front bench seat which meant you didn't have to persuade your lady friends to move to the back seat when parked up somewhere private! Magical memories! I also worked with a guy who had either a Zephyr 6 or Zodiac and he was famous for the condition of his car and for polishing the under side of the bonnet!
@@stigmontgomery7901 thanks for commenting, so many great stories coming through on these cars people seem to have so many fond memories of them.
Well this is the only time I've enjoyed that bit of motorway, great motor and nostalgia. 👍
Thanks very much for your kind comment.
Good honest old British motoring, greetings from down under!
Thanks for watching.
i had a v6 Zodiac bronze in colour great car
Saluki bronze
I think originally they were confined to the 'Executive' models but I do love the Lincolnesque 'Pedestrian Sight' on the bonnet.
Thanks for commenting, first put on Zodiac and Executive plus Zephyr Delux in 68 car in video should not have it will be removed when I do so minor paint repairs so it's standard.
Otherwise known in FordSpeak as the Mark of Distinction !
my dad's zephyr with a 2.5 V6 motor was poor, it is lovely now with a 3ltr + a towing camshaft
ziebarted from new, still in damned good condition [paintwork is scratched + thin in places]
i have lost my dad, so it needs to be sold, what do you think it is worth? 1972 on a k
Send me a friend request on Facebook to Anthony Walker and you can send me some pictures.
I'm a Rover P6 fan, I own two, but I must say that I am really impressed by how the big Ford drives down the motorway.
I always had a soft spot for a Mk IV Zephyr/Zodiac. There's something special about the shape... The long flat slabs of metal, the long bonnet..
As a child I had the Matchbox model in light blue metallic... Loved it!
Great video. Greetings from Italy ❤
@@danieleregoli812 thanks for the comment. Fetched a 1966 Zodiac from Italy a couple of years ago video of the car on my channel it's a one previous owner.
@@Diggers-Garage yes, amazing, I saw that. It was always a very rare car over here!
Noddy Holder’s gone all Yorkie……
First car I ever had absolutely beautiful car v4 engine bench seat, column change, could play table tennis on the bonnet. Wish I still had it.
@@stevedawson256 do have some V4 cars coming available should you decide to have another one.
Watching this makes me realise just how much I really miss proper old wing mirrors that let you see up the side of the car and behind you without taking your eyes off the road
@@petersmith7126 thanks for commenting, don't think people realise how good they were.
I didn't think Zephyr 4s had the bonnet mascot - I thought that was just a Zodiac thing? Fine motor car though, most impressed. It's interesting that you mentioned the V4 was better of fuel than the Pinto engine - my father replaced his Zodiac with a 2 litre Cortina 80 and he noticed it was worse on fuel than the Zodiac.
No they didn't have the bonnet mascot. And you could hardly tell the difference between the v4 and the v6 when driving them .
This is beautiful in SILVER!
@@nygelmiller5293 silver fox
I had one of these,in my case a Zodiac Executive. The trade name for these was , the flying pig or the Dagenham disaster. The handling was awful. I’d previously had a Triumph 2000, which had far better handling and much better build quality. They really should be viewed as an American car.
Am glad someone else can see through this misty eyed nonsense in that there was a good reason for being called the flying pig, they were worth very very little back in the day due to this fact. A terrible car made by ford.🥺👍
Lovely thank you and I love the V4 engine my dad's old Capri had it with auto box just subscribed 😀
Thanks for commenting, an auto box suits a V4 very well a plodding engine and a very relaxing drive
Father had a Silver Fox V4 DeLuxe, it had a floor change transmission and individual front seats. Was a cracking car and took us on many a mile...
Thanks for the comment. A lot of V4s were Delux models final 1000 cars were known as Zephyr specials all deluxe spec V4 and V6 were available.
@Diggers-Garage it was an H reg as well , VVA186H , he bought it from Airdrie Ford Dealership James A Laidlaw when it was around 4 years old, I think it was £595!!! He had a Mk2 Cortina 1600 Super DeLuxe before it, KSN414F and a God awful Mk2 Escort Popular, KUX90P after it, what a comedown that was!!! 90p was about how much Ford spent on its interior trim!!
Exactly the same as my first car. Passed my driving test in it in '78. I think the examiner was impressed with my three-point turn. And my furry dashboard.
Reminds me of my sitting in and later driving my dad's zephyr 4 which he bought from new, in1965 think it was a 1700 engine, which you would know better than me. Beautiful smooth column change and comfortable. Driving was a pleasure without the roadrage of today. I later became fire brigade driver in the dennis 106 and 108 non synchro boxes. Still driving at 73 and still commenting about the lack of driving skills of today. Keep enjoying it mate 👍.
65 ?? Mk 3
Thanks for the comment, would have been a MK111 in 65.
I used to drive Dennis Trucks for a friend part time delivering coal, crash gear box, get it right and forget about the clutch.
Is that noddy holder
And the nodding dogs on Rear parcel shelf classic 👍👍
@@paultraynorbsc627 great to see people notice these things another forgot era.
In 1973 my brother bought the Ford Capri 2.0 litre GT with the V4 engine finished in Daytona Yellow and the black vinyl roof, this car was a real head turner and such a fast mover with a high pitched whine as you accelerated but he was offered the chance of going upmarket and buying the Capri 3 litre E with the V6 engine which you may recall was the favoured choice of engine when owners of Triumph Stags were replacing their engines due to head warping issues.
DO NOT FORGET TO CHANGE OIL PUMP DRIVE, AS A FORD TECHNICIAN I CHANGE A LOT OF CRANKS DUE TO DRIVE ROUNDING OUT,
5:26 is the firing order 1-2-4-3 like many other four-cylinder Fords?
Firing order 1342 means it fired on one side of the V motor after each other causing vibration, giving the need for a balance shaft to compensate for this.
That V4 was a horrible engine. And according to my dad who drove a zodiac, it handled like a blancmange.
@@herseem thanks for the comment, never had these problems that people go on about but I'm a professional and I maintain my cars.
You poor devils in UK what with your petrol prices thru the years .In 1974 I had a drive of a friends car ,on a private road of course,3 plus driver.The Zodiac had a Ford 302 ci V8 fitted,mated up to the original 4 speed manual.The torque rowed that beast up to 120 mph dead easy with more on tap.The main deficiency was the need to counter the vehicle’s tendency to swerve from side to side.Perhaps the aerodynamics left something to be desired.Great times in a fine old chassis.
Thanks for commenting, do wander a bit with heavy engines.
@@Diggers-Garage The 302 interestingly was probably a continuation of the lightweight,thin wall casting 240 260 289 cubic inch family that probably weighed no much more than the Bowl in Piston V6 engines.
Smallblock Fords varied from 470 to 500 lbs(dressed with ancillaries).
I always felt the mk4 Zodiac deserved to have a V8 as an option. It's a crime to waste that huge engine bay.
@@dungareesareforfools A small block V8 would have turned the Mk 4 into a dynamic car like the Australian 4.4 litre Leyland P 76.Admittedly this engine descended from the all alloy Buick unit.Of course the Ford unit could have gained some aluminium goodness by in stalling alloy heads and inlet manifold.Also the tuning potential of the Henry 8 was vast.Amazing to think that the sidevalve Ford engine had alloy head options wayback in year dot.
Lovely car. I'd really like a Zephyr 6 (as seen in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet). It'd be nice to see a comparison driving video, if you have one available!
What they're doing is constructing extra break-down lay-bys, as an answer to the criticisms that have been received following the removal of the hard shoulder in to-to. And it obviously solves the problem and calms the fears of the motorist.... I don't think.
Eyup pal
I enjoyed that, thank you. It's a very capable cruiser.
Pleased you liked it, a V4s up to the job and thanks for the suggestion made a nice run out
I had the Zephyr deluxe 2.5 , silver trim on the arches and along the sides . I eventually put in the 3 ltr engine but the 2.5 was actually ok . Best thing I did was install power steering from a Zodiac, without it was hard parking.
Different ratios on the diffs between 2.5ltr & 3ltr
Thanks for the comment, Had a 2.5 that had a low ratio diff there's a video on channel it was a deluxe spec.
Installation of power steering was an astute move, I remember the manual steering getting pretty heavy when the shocks were tired. Ford ought to have made power steering standard on V6 Zephyrs, the extra cost may have paid dividends in the form of better sales.
In New Zealand the Zephyr had 3 litre motors and 3.7 to 1 final drives from 1968. The car continued be supplied with 4.5 x 13 inch wheels and 6.70 crossplies, subsequent fitting of 175 x 13 inch radials resulted in significant under gearing and speedo inaccuracy.
@@michaeltoohey1385 thanks for commenting. Power steering could be bought as a complete part listed in parts list not available for V4 to be honest doesn't need it.
@@michaeltoohey1385 I had 14 inch falcon rims on mine with radial tyres. Made the handling far better than the skinny 13 cross ply Tyers they came out with.
@@gordonrosswhitehead5052 In Auckland in the 1990s and early 2000s I spotted a number of Mark IV Zephyrs on the road with 6x14 inch Falcon rims, 185 radials and XA or XB hubcaps. The wheels and tyres looked so totally correct, the cars might have been designed for then.
sounds sporty :-) is that 92HP ? an essex v4 ?
Thanks for commenting, 88hp Zephyr Corsair 92hp
She’s super smooth
Highways agency are useless everything they do is not cordinated and no work being done completely inept but zephyr is lovely 👍
Thanks for commenting, the sad world we live in I'm afraid.
Would liked to have seen around the car and under the bonnet and boot. Found it boring just looking out of the windscreen looking at the motorway.
Very cool 👍🇬🇧
My uncle from Greasebrough used to have one of these. He used to bring it down to Cornwall on holiday once a year and cause havoc in the local country lanes . An impressive car when parked up next to my Grandads A35. Great video!
@@stringbeanmuldoon5590 thanks for the comment, another great story about a MKIV
I crashed my father's Zodiac Mk lV in 1969, when I was 17. I approached a left hand corner too fast, applied the brakes hard and the car just ploughed straight on. I hit the cab of a large truck and I wasn't wearing a seatbelt. I was bruised but largely uninjured. The front of the car was reduced to the front if a Mini. Somehow I kept hold of the steering wheel, which prevented chest injury. The car's extra long front absorbed the impact and probably saved my life. I thought the MklV was a terrible vehicle with appalling handling and brakes BUT I'm still alive and I guess that's due to the car's length and the spare tyre in the front, which absorbed some of the impact. I was responsible for the accident 100% but the Rover P6 that my father previously considered possibly could have avoided a collision. (They were a dynamically more sophisticated vehicle, but my father was convinced only 6 cylinders made smooth engines).
Modern vehicles are so incredibly better than old ones. The difference is phenomenonal. I drive a Stinger GT. It's rear wheel drive. In a skid pan this car has proved almost impossible to loose control. Modern cars make bad drivers safer than excellent drivers in the 1960s. I used to have an E-type. The Stinger does everything better than a supercar of the old days. To those thinking of buying a classic old car, I say "Don't". Old cars aren't nearly as much fun as a modern vehicle. The reliability of a MkIV Zodiac would make it a misery to live with.
Buy modern. Benefit from the safety and technology of 2024 and bear in mind - my Stinger can run rings around a Ferrari Daytona, (which would cost 20x the price).
@@NoosaHeads thanks for the interesting comment, a story of significant importance in growing up and learning how to handle a vehicle. We obviously share the same reasoning on classic car ownership I always explain the issues that come along with finally purchasing one it's a lot different than the TV shows portray. I still feel my cars can keep up with any modern vehicle in reliability issues but I have a lifetime of experience. Also would survive an impact, but all my cars are not rotten and if they have been repaired it's been undertaken in the correct manner. Another point to take into consideration would be tires and their condition MKIV's are very sensitive to different types. Thanks again for a great story.
I had one in the seventies .as a minicab .pity ford don't make decent cars anymore.
Thanks for the comment. Guess times have changed.
I had a ducking egg blue 2-5 L v6 4on the tree bril.iant ,one of the best Ford's ever.Next car was V4Corsair
@@kevinmills3690 thanks for commenting. Great to hear
Glorious old barge of a car...the old man had one back in 72; front bench seat and manual column change. He's gone now so this footage is loaded with memories from a better time.
@@MG-iv9nw thanks for commenting, do many people have so many fond memories of these big old boats
I have always like the long sleek shape. That V4 sings :)
Thanks for the comment, had some bad press the V4 Essex always got on with it myself likes everything to be kept in tolerance.
In one of my old HOT CAR magazines a bloke fitted a V4 into a 105E Anglia. Just because I suppose.
@@johnpoile1451 also put in a lot of pop 105E used often in 70s custom era.
If I recall correctly, an Autocar road test of a manual V4 Deluxe recorded a maximum speed of 99mph. With 3.7 to 1 final drive ratio, 19.7mph per 1000 revs, 70mph is well within the car's ability.
Thanks for commenting, easy pull 90mph really a nice drivable car does everything ford intended it to do. With sensible fuel economy.
My first ever 'car drive' was at age 12, sitting between my dag's legs, but doing all the pedal work, shifting, and steering myself, in his 1962 Mk3 Zephyr 4. I still remember it accelerated 'quite well' in 2nd gear when i mashed the throttle pedal all the way down. 'WHOA!'..he said. Anyway this was on the long narrow dual lane exit road from a regional airport and so was a dead straight stretch of road for about a mile or two possibly, just outside of Ardmore, Auckland NZ.
@@skippmclovan1135 thanks for sharing this experience not many people who haven't got some experience in a Zephyr.
Mi Mam had a MK3 Ford Zodiac
Had it painted in Bentley British Racing Green
Lovely bench seat front, column gear change. Crochet tissue box on Back window cill. Sure hers were 6 cylinders.
From Richmond Sheffield.
@@Yorkshiremadmick thanks for commenting, yes mk111 Zodiac was a 6 cylinder everyone loves bench seats
Is that Onslow driving?
Brings back memories of the Mk4 in NZ. The silver grey one i had as a commercial traveller in 1974 was the Zephyr with the 3 litre Essex V6 in it. NZ wanted the big engine for towing caravans and the like. Flat out it would do an indicated 103mph.
@@skippmclovan1135 thanks for commenting, NZ did get 3ltr we had to manage with 2.5 V6 over here.
Jeremy Clarkson once drove a Mk4 for Top Gear but it was a Zodiac with the bigger 2.5 or 3 litre engine. Short boot, long bonnet where the spare wheel is. I have never travelled in one, but remember going in my grandad's Mk2 Cortina that was the Zephyr's small brother. How many Mk4s are left?
Thanks for commenting, don't know the exact number but my collection is in double figures.
My father had one in that colour, V6 model 2.5 I belive it did 115mph was a fast car in its day, was so comfortable we all loved it, that was in the 1970s the plate number was YHE 16J
@@MrSimplesimon007 thanks for commenting, I honestly can't believe how many stories of these cars I've received, glad video brought you some happy memories.
Gets down the motorway better than Oz,s
In 1968 we were on a family holiday in Torquay, dad had a new Zodiac. We visited Babbacombe beach where the road down to the beach is a 3 in 1 hill. On the way out, the car would cut out halfway up the hill. After a few attempts, dad called the AA. The guy filled a small pop bottle with petrol and connected it to the carb. The car climbed the hill easily. The AA guy said that the Zodiac's fuel pump wan't strong enough to drag the fuel from the tank due to the steep incline! Otherwise is was a lovely car.
@@handypandy490 thanks for the comment, amazing how many people have a experience with these cars.
Everyone seams to have forgot with the misty eyed nostalgia that they were nicknamed the Flying Pig. There was a good reason for this name, they were rubbish ! Cooling problems due to stupid position of the radiator, Terrible rot boxes and handled terribly.
@@MarkClarke-q7j thanks for commenting, Ford had a handling issue with car lifting rear wheel but was put correct on change of turning circle and new bushing system to front suspension. Using winter and summer correct thermostats stopped any overheating issues. As I have pointed out time after time and drive these cars daily I do not suffer from these issues as I maintain cars correctly.
i had a mk1 transit v4 that done 95mph easy
4 speed column change off the MK3 this must be an early one .my dad's had floor change if I remember rightly.
@@mobius8002 you could still get a column in 71 last cars where bucket seats and floor change all cars were available as floor as a option.
I had a van that was column change and thought it was so much better ! Can’t understand why more never went that way perhaps it was the linkage ?
Thanks for the comment. All be down to cost and no longer doing bench seats.
My first car was column change - a Renault 16. To this day, 42 years later I still prefer column change.
@@HowardLeVert thanks for the comment, Renault 16 probably had electric windows as well really a nice car.
@@Diggers-GarageMazda & Datsun pick ups from the 70s & early 80s still had column gear change- sometimes with 5 speed gearbox
With ford bringing back some of the old names like capri and explorer why not zephyr or zodiac this video has brought back lots of memories for me
@@kevinbushell2746 thanks for commenting, pleased you enjoyed it good to nip into the past.
We used to have a problem with both back lights they kept filling with water. Even after new seals they still filled with water but they never blew any of the brake and side lights never did find where it was coming from even fords never found where it was leaking from
@@annstenson324 thanks for the comment, I can honestly say I've never heard of that issue before.
40 mpg ? My dad's barely broke 30 and that was in 1972 only a few years old
@@mobius8002 thanks for the comment, car has no trouble getting 30 MPG around town does it on a regular basis. Autolite carb bit more greedy on Zenith but a little quicker on pick up.
The only car that I have ever been travel sick in. New girlfriend, first trip with her and her parents. Very embarrassing!
@@ellaevansbolt I can imagine
Ford v 6 engine.... my transit van back in the 80s a but smokey after a few miles.
@@marty1234able thanks for the comment. Can use a bit of oil.
I had a v4 zephyr and loved it! Ahy 909j !
@@steveyates1646 great to know I still wonder why people call them.
That's an impressive bonnet! Nice video. Here in Holland they were very rare, unlike the MK3. I once had a Capri with the Cologne V4 1.7; also that weird sound. Never understood why these engines were totally different. Only after '73 Ford understood the Parts Bin advantages.
@@sebastian0107 thanks for commenting, got a one owner LHD Zodiac MKIV I fetched from Italy it's a one owner car these cars were rare in Italy as well. Video of this car on my channel.
@@Diggers-Garage Yes, I just found out you took an interest in them. Italian import; I bought many classics there; no rust, mainly from wealthy 1th owners who could afford the maintenance. Well worth saving these Zephyrs and Zodiacs: they were over-engineered! Have fun with them!
I owned two MK4 Zephyrs here in New Zealand. Both had been fitted with Cleveland 302 V8 engines at the dealership. The 302 was found in the Australian Ford Fairmont. The original 3.0 v6 tended to eat the oil pump drives. The Mk4 was an excellent car way ahead of its time.
@@timkiwi thanks for commenting, I would imagine a MKIV with a 302 would be nice if it had power steering.
I if you bought a long Allan key and cat it to length. You could use that as a oil pump drive. Never gave any trouble then.
I loved the mk4 mainly cos of that HUGE bonnet ! Sadly by the time mk4 Zephyrs dropped into my price range (around 76) most were badly rusted and lets be honest they could never be described as economical, although few cars were at that time. Did manage to get a Corsair v4 1700 auto, me and the girlfriend (later wife) loved it but you could see the fuel gauge needle moving when on a motorway !
@@ryszardlorenc7047 thanks for the comment, Corsair was a lot less economical than Zephyr probably gear ratios. Not out of the way for me to get 30mpg round town and high up 30s on the motorway at 60 mph. But the car is always set up best it can be it's now serviced and running far better than motorway run video.
@@Diggers-Garage Thanks for reply BTW can't tell you how envious I am seeing you drive that car ! Don't know what it is about the MK4 but none of the other Consuls/Zephyrs appealed to me (not even the Z-Cars MK3) Funnily enough the mid 20s (on a good day)Corsair consumption was'nt a massive problem cos petrol cost pennies instead of ££s at the time, as you are no doubt aware.
in new zealand when i was in my teens we had a mk 4 zodiac ,, took the v 6 out of it and put a 302 v 8 in it put the v 6 in a mk 2 cortina
@@manitowoc3477 thanks for the comment, sounds like a proper plan
I have one in my garage if any interested restored it years ago with 10 new panels fitted 3 ltr, took it to over 100 mph still with throttle to spare solid car dry stored
@@davidgray2653 thanks for the comment. You need to be driving it.
is this the same engine the Zodiac had, with 3 gear column change, our kid had the zodiac and it was great car,
@@sicks6six thanks for commenting, that would have been a straight six 2.6
Had one loved it
Great stuff cross ply tyres please ..for original specs...oh lets just drift/skate to where ever !!!! Oh wonderfull steeeing wheel so old , could be brittle by now on impact , only to go straight through you .... new cost of another windscreen?????? Or any glass???? Headlight replacement cost???? Please tell all !! Total rubbish ... v4 hold on , never to attain anything over 50mph then in such a heavey car , no doubt heavier than original due to filler used ... ha ha ha ...
These are a cool car. Independent suspension in the back. Strong as.
Nice comfortable ride and handle well.
I thought the V4 got recalled and the V6 put in. Then used the V4s in the Mk I capri's and first of the transits.
Looks Japanese with the fender mirrors.
@@chuckmaddison2924 thanks for the comment. Wing mirrors standard ford.
The glaring omission from your video is a look round the exterior of the car, and perhaps a look under the bonnet. You need to remind us of how this seventies classic looks from the outside. Disappointing.
These were mainly 60s cancelled in 71
@@duncan649 thanks for the comment, there is a full video of this car on my channel showing every detail. The motorway run was a request in the comments from that video.
My mates dad had one the z dropped off, so we called it the effer. Nice cars
@@Vic-j9p another great story
Be careful of the plastic oil pump drive gear
@@tonyhill8300 thanks for commenting, regularly changing oil stops this issue
I saw one in Denmark, in the seventees....I believe it was a six
@@Bonzoguy66 A chap I speak to on net has a zodiac over their.
Had one in 70's and she used to return 28mpg
@@rsilman73 thanks for commenting, this one is really good on fuel always around 30mpg
I had on of these then bought a pb cresta.i preferred the cresta.
@@robertcooke1774 thanks for commenting, Cresta a 3.3 straight six this car is a 2.0 V4 guess there would be a noticeable difference.
Butts in the ashtray made me feel sick.
@@mickzammit6794 thanks for the comment, you only get originality once cars a one owner why change it's past.
A good v6 zephyr or zodiac with overdrive will sit 80mph all day and the next
Why were they nicknamed flying pigs and dagahanam disasters then? Nothing to do with cooling, head gasket faults due to stupid place for radiator, terrible handling problems, insane corrosion etc, etc, Terrible car made by ford. The Granada which replaced it was 100 times the car of this model. Ford went from terrible with the zodiac to brilliant with the Granada.👍
My comment was about how they went good v6s are fine and just remember. The triumph stag and allegro all have their followers as the bad build quality and engineering was attended to but I'm not a fan granada is better