Presentable but with good scope for aesthetic tweaks and improvements
Great overall mechanical order
The Appeal
Some good old fashioned American flashness with a helpful hint of British sensibility. The Ford Zephyr did a marvellous job of capturing the exuberant styling of the chrome finned 30ft long US market Cadillacs and Lincolns that were dropping the jaws of us here in old blighty and packaging it into a smaller, more compact and practical car that was far more suited to British and European roads, no mean feat but one that was executed rather well by the engineers and design team at Ford.
The model garnered great respect amongst buyers and saw a healthy production run spanning over two decades as a result. The car we have here is thegenesis of the esteemed nameplate, a first generation Zephyr, or Zephyr Six, this 1954 model is a charming example of the breed, having been well loved its an undeniably lovable little car which, being in great mechanical and good overall aesthetic order is a thoroughly usable example in its current state but one that does also hold good scope for improvement should a new owner wish to take it in that direction.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 25/03/1954- A bereavement in the family meant the Zephyr was inherited by the current vendor who is now looking to move the car on to a new loving home
Prior this the Zephyr is understood to have been quite the presence on the show circuit
Accompanied by a selection of invoices for parts bought and servicing work undertaken on the car throughout its life
Selection of former MOT certificates available
Due to the age and historic status of the car, it is now both tax and MOT exempt
V5 registration document present with the vehicle
Some period Zephyr literature is also with the car’s history file
The Condition
Lovingly presented in good overall condition
Bodywork presents with an oily rag aesthetic
Finished in a charming Canterbury Green colour scheme
Paintwork is still vibrant but with a generally faded quality to it
Presented with an alluring light patina, with areas of blemishing and aftermarket paintwork visible throughout
Good quality chrome trim exhibiting an excellent shine, understood to have been rechromed recently
Badging and glass work is of a similarly high quality
Body coloured external sun visor with chrome detailing
13” body coloured steel wheels with chrome hubcaps
Tyres are adorned with white wall trims at all four corners
Full size spare wheel resides in the boot
Classic horizontally slatted front grille piece
Interior has been finished in a wonderful tan brown colour scheme
Bench seating front and rear which is in exceptionally good form
Matching tan brown door panels with accompanying chrome trim and detailing
The current vendor informs us that the seats have been recovered and replacement carpets fitted
Body coloured dash panel and gauge cluster surround, presented in honest form with a gentle patina
Internal switchgear and fixtures and in good form with a similar light patina visible
Tri spoke banjo style steering wheel with chrome centre
The Mechanics
2262cc straight six engine, reportedly good for around 68 bhp- Column shift transmission
Engine and surrounding engine bay stand in good honest form
The Zephyr roars into life and idles comfortably, good quality gear changes are provided from the column shift and the car is said to generally drive well, though no extensive mileage has been undertaken by the current keepers
Underside looks to be in generally clean form
The vendor informs us that a new clutch has been fitted along with an upgraded electronic ignition system for ease of use
Summary
It’s that classic British charm with a helping of 1950s American excess, the Ford Zephyr was a wonderful little car throughout the generations, but none captured the ideals of the model quite like the first generation. Well loved among enthusiasts the Zephyr is backed by a solid support network and thus makes a wonderful enthusiast acquisition or as a pathway into the rewarding world of classic motoring. In good overall order with some oily rag appeal, a spectacular interior and great straight six engine, this 1954 Zephyr Six is an excellent consideration to undertake the job.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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1954 Ford Zephyr
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