1971 Ford ZD Fairlane 302 V8 Sedan
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
| Engine | V8, 302-cid |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 3-speed automatic |
| Body Work | Sedan |
| Colour | Vermillion Fire |
| Interior | Saddle |
| Trim | Vinyl |
| Wheels | Steel disc |
| Brakes | Discs/Drums |
Description
Filling a gap in the model line-up between the Falcon and imported Galaxie, Ford's first Australian Fairlane was introduced as the ZA in 1967 and went on to become one of this country's favourite big cars over the next forty years. Based on the XR Falcon, the new Fairlane came in two distinct trim levels, the Custom and 500 and the clever mix of luxury and performance proved a winning formula right from the outset. Although the cheaper Custom model was only sold in six-cylinder form, the upmarket Fairlane 500 - boasting reclining bucket seats and plenty of woodgrain trim - was powered by the legendary 289-cid V8, the same motor that could be found under the bonnet of everything from the AC Cobra to the Shelby Mustang. The ZA was facelifted to become the ZB in 1968, with a 302-cid V8, automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes as standard equipment. With the introduction of the ZC range in 1969, the Fairlane came in for some major restyling, featuring vertically stacked headlamps at the front and wraparound tail lights, plus chrome strips along the sills and around the wheelarches on the 500. Further changes included more insulation to make the car quieter and the introduction of air conditioning as an option. For the first time, the Fairlane 500 was available with the 351-cid V8 engine pumping out 250 horsepower in standard tune. In November 1970, Ford released the final model of the first generation Z-series Fairlanes in the form of the ZD, the grille aping Lincoln's Continental, revised tail light treatment, new hubcaps and some minor improvements to the interior. The ZA-ZD Fairlanes were a runaway sales success for the Blue Oval but, by 1971, there was competition on the horizon, most notably from Holden's new Statesman, and an all-new model (the ZF) was unveiled in 1972. Surviving Fairlanes, particularly those equipped with the big V8s, have become increasingly sought after by Blue Oval aficionados who prefer their muscle in a luxury package.
