Ford Fairlane ZC
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
The ZC marked the first noticeable change to the Fairlane,
swapping from horizontal to vertical headlamp orientation.
For long a U.S. styling device, it was unusual that Ford
in Australia would go to this design after it had been
abandoned across the Pacific.
By necessity it did raise the front wings to accommodate
the lights and this gave the ZC a larger and more imposing
look.
As per the previous models, the Custom was fitted with
the 6 cylinder motor, while the Fairlane 500 continued with the 302ci V8.
Importantly, for the first time the whopping
351ci 5.75 litre V8 was available as an option.
The options list on the ZC was extensive and not confined
to just the engine size - although the "bonet emblem"
was to be no more (replaced with a crest). But there was
plenty of chrome, and upmarket red stripe inserts to the tyres.
The six-cylinder Custom was fitted with a three-speed
manual transmission, bench front seat, drum
brakes all
round and cross-ply
tyres and cost $3330 (surprisingly
only a mere $30 more than a 3.6-litre Fairmont).
$4370 would see you driving away in the V8-engined '500',
which came with standard disc brakes, fully-reclining
bucket seats, a fake woodgrain dash and distinctive sill
mouldings.
As was traditional for the time, the three speed manual
stuck with a column mounted shift, while the four speed was
mounted on the floor, and necessitated bucket seats.
Although the Fairlane was considered a luxury car, you
may be surprised to learn that even basic items such as
the radio were optional ($123), air-conditioning ($407)
and Australia's first factory-fitted steel sunroof ($163).
Ford had made much of the sound deadening and insulation
used in the car - and with justification as the ZC offered
a very quiet and refined ride.
12,500 ZC's were manufactured
between July 1969 and November 1970.
