When did you last see a genuine clean old survivor one of these for sale?
The Mighty MK4 Z Car !
Although not the complete success Ford had hoped for with the all new and quite radical MK4 version of the highly successful Zephyr model, (a model in the lineup which had previously gained a reputation for rugged reliability, being respected by many Kiwis) these cars were actually quite a long way ahead of their time, with their 4 wheel independent suspension, and 4 wheel disc brakes, giving them a ride that was the envy of their competition, they were either loved or hated back in the day, but thats all part of the charm really, and helps make them a very rare machine today.
Unfortunately some of the earlier cars suffered from mechanical woes which ruined the reputation of an otherwise pretty decent for the period big comfortable six seater, most are either long gone today, or got repowered early on and died pretty young, as they were the ultimate cheap Hoon mobile, with little to no value.
This old girl has survived though, and has had quite an interesting life, being very lucky to remain largely unmolested over the last 54 years.
According to the original old hand written ownership papers this MK4 was sold and registered new in the Canterbury town of Kaiapoi, so it was more than likely sold out of Palmer and Doak the big North Canterbury Ford dealers of the time, being registered and delivered new to John Rhind Ltd on the 26th February 1971.
Two private owners then followed with the last one selling the car to his neighbour who had always admire it, and who has now been its last custodian for over 34 years!
The last owner has proudly maintained and driven this old Zephyr throughout the decades, and has clearly treated it like it was a part of the family, it therefore returned the favour treating him well as a trusted companion over many family trips and journeys around the country.
The body work is tidy and clean with very presentable paintwork finished in classic Ermine white complemented by decent chrome and trim giving a nice traditional appearance that has remained basically unchanged over the years, a few minor chips and bruises on the exterior are worn like badges of honour, and although not a restored example, this is a pretty honest tidy old car.
The entire interior is in remarkable original condition with big comfortable bench seating and even retains the original working Ford push button radio pride of place in the dash!
The 3.0 V6 seems very happy in its work having been previously rebuilt by a local Ford specialist, and the auto transmission also with historical receipts shifts beautifully, and with the power steering this old darling drives superb!
An extensive receipts file and an original workshop manual along with the original ownership papers are all included in the sale.
This is certainly a whole lot of car for the money by comparison to any 1971 Ford Valiant or Holden of the era, its less than half the price, but its certainly not half the car!
Dare to be different! If you enjoy hearing stories everywhere you go like I remember those, or I had one of those! Then this is the car for you!