Ford Fairlane ZD

Introduction

There were minor styling changes to the ZD, the last of the original body shape before the release of the ZF Fairlane in March, 1972.

The Ford stylists gave the ZD a much bolder grille treatment, it being styled on the then successful US Ford Lincoln.

The tail lamps were also revised, and now featured a horizontal seperator. This blended well with full width garnish attached to the rear boot-lid, helping make the ZD look much wider than it actually was.

Inside, the ZD Fairlane featured a wide instrument cluster and retained the strip style instruments of the ZC. Underneath the instruments Ford applied a "woodgrain look" panel, which housed further switch gear and the radio.

Best of all, the ZD carried over the ZC's vertically stacked headlights, and by lowering the side body protection strip slightly, the ZD looked lower and sleeker than any of its predecessors.

The hubcaps were also changed, Ford opting for a more simple design to give the Fairlane a more up-market feel.

While the ZD had not altered much in style, it retained its grip on the market place, despite the appearance of locally produced rivals.

The ZD was manufactured between November 1970 and March 1972.