Ford Consul/Zephyr mk2

A large and elegant 6-seater inspired by the cars from the USA.

Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac

The model designations for the mk2 followed its predecessor. The base model was still called Consul. It had the simplest equipment level and 4-cylinder engine. On the outside, you can recognize it by the crescent-shaped grill. More expensive models have a raised grill and more chrome. The Zephyr got a 6-cylinder engine – a straight six of 2,6 litres. The Zodiac was the top model in the range with the same drivetrain as the Zephyr but more equipment and chrome. It can be recognized by the design of the upper part of the grill, which is shaped like a lip, and the chrome belt between the rear lights.

Model history

The Mk2 was produced between 1956 and 1962. Several changes were made during this time. From the 1960 model, you could choose a new body shape with a lowered roofline, called Lowline. If you only see one car, it is difficult to determine whether it is Highline or Lowline. But the Lowline model can also be recognized by the fact that the waistline extends all the way to the rear lights, and that the rear lights have been given a circular "cat's eye" at the bottom. From 1961, all models received disc brakes at the front, and the Consul model received the model designation 375 Consul as the Consul designation was to be used for other models (Consul 315, Consul Cortina, Consul Corsair).
 
Engine-wise, the Consul got an inline-four 1700 engine with 59 hp. Zephyr and Zodiac got straight sixes with 87 hp.
 
Also worth mentioning is that mk2 Zephyr cars were also sent to an external coachbuilder - ED Abbott in Surrey - for conversion to a station wagon with a side-hinged rear door.

The cars today

The Mk2 Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac were popular in Norway. Several went as taxis or company cars. They were beautiful 6-seaters reminiscent of American Fords at the same time. Unfortunately, most of the cars were driven until there was nothing left of them. Many ended up as youth cars. I don't know how many cars are left. I am guessing that it is about 50-60 cars and some barn finds around. A search on ebay.com shows that there are still wear parts for sale. There are good enthusiast environments in the UK and Australia, - as the cars were also produced there.

About the pictures

The blue car in the main photo attended the Brooklands Summer Classic Gathering in 2023. This is a 1961 'Lowline' model. The station wagon has been rebuilt at ED Abbott with a side-hinged door. It is a hill model 1961 photographed at Romsey, Southampton in 2012. The unsold cars attended a family event in Morden Park, London, 2022. The white forest wreck is photographed at Båstnäs scrapyard in Töcksfors.

 
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