1971 Ford ZD Fairlane 351 'K Code' Sedan

Description

Ford Australia's first generation Fairlane filled a gap between the Fairmont and much larger Galaxie and the combination of luxury and performance proved a winner right from the outset. Based on the XR Falcon, the first Aussie designed and built Fairlane was designated the ZA and came in two distinct series, the Custom and 500. 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 powerful 289-cid V8. Facelifted as the ZB in 1968, the Fairlane 500 now came 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, with 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 bhp in standard tune. In November 1970, Ford released the final model of the original Z-series Fairlanes in the form of the ZD, with a grille aping the Lincoln Continental, revised tail light treatment, new hubcaps and some minor improvements to the interior. The first generation Fairlane was 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 Fairlane (the ZF) was ushered in for 1972. Surviving Fairlanes equipped with the big V8s have become increasingly sought after by Blue Oval aficionados who prefer their muscle in a luxury package.