Ford Consul/Zephyr/Zodiac Mk2 (1956 - 1962)

Introduction

The Mk2 Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac were a useful modernisation of the original car, adding fins and chrome to the equation as well as more interior room. Ford's advertising referred to them as the ‘Three Graces’, implying a feminine, graceful nature...

The entry-level Consul was the cheapest of the bunch, with four cylinders rather than the six found in the Zephyr and Zodiac, and a lesser level of trim. Convertibles had manually operated hoods and estates were only available to order. Ford also introduced an important innovation (as it had done with the original and its McPherson strut suspension) with the Mk2 - the car had a combined key-operated ignition and starter. The Consul started out as quite a stark machine, but the Deluxe of 1957 was equipped almost to Zodiac level and had two-tone paintwork.

The six-cylinder Zephyr and Zodiac were powered by an enlarged straught-six, now displacing 2553cc and this boosted power to 86bhp. They were also offered in two body styles - 'Highline' and 'Lowline', depending on the year of manufacture, and this distinction was made because of the varying rooflines.