Pre-bids

1955 Ford Zephyr Zodiac

Highlights

  • Lovely, well detailed two-tone example in great condition 
  • Recent major service and complete brake overhaul
  • Engine retuned with less than 1,000 miles since
  • Stored in a ventilated CarPort vehicle tent for the last 7 years
  • Featured in 'Your Classic Magazine' during previous ownership
  • Superb and well maintained example of these much-loved cars 
  • Fitted with all available extras for this model when new 

The Appeal

For those of a 1950s persuasion, feast your eyes, The Zodiac was the upmarket Zephyr that delivered transatlantic style to post-war British high streets. It proved that practical, reliable family saloons didn’t have to be dowdy and dull - they could be two-tone and be-chromed too. Just like this lovely car. 
It is not surprising that enthusiasts love these early Mk1 cars, particularly the upmarket Zodiac with its posh leather interior and jazzy paintwork. Today they have a huge following.
Here is a superb example, a very pretty Canterbury Green with Dorchester Grey ‘55 whose condition shines out of the photos.  No wonder it is a former star of Your Classics magazine. The current long term keeper has clearly loved it, driving it sparingly but treating it to regular maintenance. Highlights include a recent major service and engine tune and brake overhaul. 
The keys to this car provide the keys to a vibrant 50s nostalgia scene. It will surely start conversations wherever it goes. The Zodiac is a classic to really enjoy with family and friends and this one looks a real treat. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered on 22-02-1955
  • Current keeper since May 2017 
  • Major service in mid-2021, including complete overhaul of brakes
  • Engine retune with less than 1,000 miles done since this
  • Stored inside ventilated CarPort vehicle tent for the last 7 years
  • Appeared in ‘Your Classic Magazine’ during previous ownership
  • Previous keeper was a member of Ford Five Stars for many years
  • Previous keeper also belonged to Forest Hill and District Classic Car Club
  • Numerous maintenance bills available over many years
  • Current keeper bought the car for nostalgic reasons
  • Well looked after and maintained by current keeper with evidence in photos 
  • Current mileage is 52,657 but this may be higher due to five digit odo 
  • Original Ford Workshop Manual and several maintenance manuals

The Condition

  • Smart two-tone Dorchester Grey with Canterbury Green paintwork 
  • The two-tone colour scheme is correct for a Zodiac
  • Paintwork looks in very good order with some small touch-ups
  • Some body gaps are wider than they should be but body is generally very presentable
  • We are told the car has no rust, has been fully undersealed with no welding underneath
  • Chromework is in generally good order but bumpers have some small chrome blemishes
  • Neat exterior details including screen visor and auxiliary lights 
  • Interior presents well, headlining good, upholstery and carpets refurbished
  • Internal electric clock fitted but not presently working
  • Alarm system fitted
  • All extras available in 1955 at the time of sale from Ford included
  • Reversing light
  • Driver's signpost viewing lamp
  • Front windscreen metal sunshade
  • Later generation FM/AM fitted 
  • Original valve radio with separate amplifier unit comes with the car but is not fitted
  • Tyres all good, crossply tyres fitted, spare never used

The Mechanics

  • 2,262cc straight six Ford engine 
  • 3spd manual gearbox with column shift 
  • Engine converted to run on unleaded
  • Engine fully serviced in 2021
  • Recent engine tune with only 1,000 miles covered since work completed
  • Brakes overhauled in 2021 
  • Vendor reports that it runs sweetly and starts well
  • Borg Warner overdrive factory fitted providing overdrive in 2nd and 3rd gears
  • Powertune brake vacuum servo retrofitted
  • New radiator fitted in 2020
  • Mechanical fuel pump replaced with electric in line with filter 
  • Original fuel pump still fitted with spare available if required)
  • New battery fitted in November 2022
  • No mechanical or running gear issues according to seller 
  • Reported to drive well and keeps up with modern traffic
 


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

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Auction Details

  • Year1955
  • MakeFord
  • ModelZephyr
  • ColourMulticolour
  • Odometer52,657 Miles
  • Engine size2262cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownRadstock
  • CountySomerset
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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