Lot details
Registration No: UVS 614
Chassis No: E0TTA109405
Mot Expiry: Nov 2010

Introduced in early 1951, Ford's Consul (four-cylinder) and Zephyr (six-cylinder) models were notable for their use of a monocoque bodyshell, MacPherson Strut independent front suspension and hydraulic drum brakes. Able to seat up to six thanks to the provision of a front bench seat and column gearchange, the Ford duo were powered by a new generation of 'oversquare' engines. Notably rugged and surprisingly quick, the 2262cc OHV-engined Zephyr Six proved a highly effective rally car with Maurice Gatsonides winning the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally aboard one and Vic Preston piloting another to victory on the 1955 East African Safari Rally. Unveiled at the 1953 London Motor Show, the range topping Zephyr Zodiac cost £851 and boasted such niceties as: a clock, heater, windscreen washers, gold plated lettering and spot lamps etc. Though solid colours remained optional, most Zodiacs were finished in smart two-tone liveries and all benefited from a higher compression engine and improved 82mph top speed. Only in production between 1954 and 1956, just 22,634 Zephyr Zodiacs are thought to have been sold.

This particular example was reputedly the property of Lieutenant Colonel Jeph Simpson Magrath and other members of his Somerset-based family until 1983. Acquired by The Worthing Carriage Company some five years later, the Ford was converted into a historic rally car and successfully completed the 1991 Monte Carlo Challenge. Crewed by Sir David Steel and David Hall, the well-prepared saloon finished 55th overall and 7th in class. Shorn of much of its rallying equipment thereafter, the Zodiac achieved further fame when it appeared on the long-running television drama, Heartbeat. Purchased from the relevant film hire business by Mickie Downey, a bass player with The Skiprats rockabilly band, 'UVS 614' was the subject of a half-page article in the Sunday Sun newspaper (January 22nd 1995). Leading a quieter life since then, the Ford was bought by its previous keeper during late 2003. Still sporting a spare wheel extension, radiator muff, uprated halfshafts and snow tyres at the time, he improved the four-door saloon's cosmetic appearance via some rechroming and retrimming work as well as paying attention to its gearbox, differential (exchanged for a 3.5 unit), brakes, exhaust oil seals and core plugs etc. A rare survivor with an interesting history, this highly presentable Zodiac is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until November 2010.