1956 Ford Zephyr

Encouraged by the success of the MkI Consul and Zephyr line, which sold a total of 406,801 units in six years, the entire Ford UK line was redesigned for 1956, borrowing styling cues from the 1955 American Fords. However, while the US saloon form was generally repeated, the trim was altogether more elegant, and reminiscent of the 1955-57 Thunderbird 2-seat convertible, with a separate gracefully curved grille and minimal brightwork.

The Ford Consul’s wheelbase was extended to 104 inches, allowing for more space inside, while bench seats and a column gearshift permitted six people, at a pinch. The 4-cylinder OHV engine was increased to 1703cc and now developed 59bhp, delivering 80mph. Sadly, the windshield wipers were still vacuum operated, but with their own vacuum pump. At least the windshield lacked the American 'dogleg' with its distracting distortions and wraparound corner, which made front seat entry difficult.

Triple overdrive and automatic transmission options were offered for 1957 and a De Luxe model featured two-tone paint. In February 1959 the roofline was lowered almost two inches on the new 'Lowline' models, extra trim was added, and the interior redesigned with a horizontal instrument cluster. Front disc brakes were optional from September 1960, and standard from May 1961. At that time the Consul became the 375 to differentiate it from the Z-back window 315 Consul Classic, which had just been introduced.

For 1956 the Zephyr and Zodiac Mk II chassis was stretched to 107 inches. The engine increased to 2553cc and generated 87 horsepower, resulting in a top speed close to 90mph. The grille was now a distinctive Allard style, with a raised centre section. It extended to the corners of the front wings and encompassed the sidelights. The Zodiac boasted a gold band across the top of the grille, a gold-anodized grooved tail panel, and gold badges.

The Mk II Ford Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac were a big success. In all 371,585 Consul saloons were built along with a combined total of 301,417 Zephyrs and Zodiacs. Carbodies continued to build convertibles in both Consul and Zephyr/Zodiac lines, though the latter had a power top and the Consul did not. Carbodies built 9,398 Consul convertibles, 5,139 Zephyrs and 1,772 Zodiacs. Abbots of Farnham continued to offer estate cars across the range, though precise numbers are difficult to determine since it was an external conversion.

The Mk II Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac have a considerable following, especially in attractive two-tone colour schemes. Despite some issues with gearboxes and axles, they proved fast, comfortable and reliable, though the combination of unitary construction and negligible rust-proofing remains worrisome. Structural integrity is critical in the case of convertibles.

The Monte Carlo Rally fad was waning by the late 1950s, as far as mainstream factories were concerned, but Nellerman and Skarring took a Ford Zephyr to 10th place in 1958, while Sutcliffe and Crabtree finished 6th in 1960.

As an historical footnote, American rock ‘n’ roller Eddie Cochran (“Summertime Blues”) died in the crash of a Mk II Consul taxi in Chippenham, in April 1960 after playing a show at Bristol’s Hippodrome Theatre. Fellow rocker Gene Vincent was seriously injured, and never fully recovered.