1954 Ford Zephyr Six

Registration No: CPV 258
Chassis No: 101016
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new in Ipswich and seemingly resident there until 1982
• Treated to an extensive restoration by a British Aircraft Corporation employee thereafter
• Taken to numerous shows during the 2000s winning awards in the process
• Recently recommissioned and thought to retain its original upholstery

Introduced in early 1951, Ford's Consul (four-cylinder) and Zephyr (six-cylinder) 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.

First issued with the Ipswich numberplate ‘CPV 258’ on 23^rd July 1954, this particular example was seemingly still resident in the area when B.E. Sewell Ltd of neighbouring Kesgrave issued it with a MOT certificate on November 26^th 1981 at an indicated 43,410 miles. Acquired by R. Marks Esq - an employee of the British Aircraft Corporation (later British Aerospace) – the following year, he is understood to have treated the Ford to an extensive restoration including the fitment of a reconditioned engine and respray. Thought to have taken until 1997 to complete, Frenchay Garage of Hanham, Bristol carried out the finishing touches at a cost of £1,057.27 (the next earliest MOT certificate on file was issued in June that year at an indicated 43,418 miles). Taken to numerous shows by its subsequent keeper winning various awards in the process, the Zephyr Six has recently been recommissioned by the vendor after two years’ dry storage. Starting readily and running smoothly during our recent photography session, the seller believes that ‘CPV 258’ has been fitted with a higher back axle ratio at some stage. Benefiting from a minor brake system overhaul and apparently still retaining its original Red upholstery, the Ford’s period appeal is accentuated by an external windscreen visor, pillar-mounted Grebel spotlight, headlight cowls and Mangels wire wheels. Nostalgia on wheels, this funky Zephyr MkI currently shows some 49,000 miles to its odometer and is offered for sale with V5 Registration Document and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737