Ford Fairlane ZF

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Ford Fairlane ZF

Ford Fairlane

Ford Fairlane ZF

1972 - 1973
Country:
Australia
Engine:
6 cyl. & V8
Capacity:
250ci 6 / 302 - 351ci V8
Power:
155hp 6 / 220-290hp V8
Transmission:
3 spd. man / 3 spd. auto
Top Speed:
n/a
Number Built:
n/a
Collectability:
2 star
Ford Fairlane ZF
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 2

Introduction



The ZF marked a complete new re-styling of the Fairlane, now wholly Australian designed and produced. It was easy to see that the design was influenced by the new XA Falcon, retaining, as the previous cars had done, the basic central structure including the doors, and bulking out either end.

The bold grille and unique tail lamps helped, but there was a feeling that it did not differentiate itself enough from its smaller Ford contemporary. The four headlights were placed in a horizontal pattern once more, inside a full width grille. The two model line up of "Custom" and "500" remained, as did the same wheelbase, however the car was now lower, wider, and the track had been increased by 38mm.

There was a small increase in price, up $250 on the outgoing ZD, although both models now featured as standard power assisted disc brakes. Unfortunately though, the power steering remained an option on the Custom. Ford's faith in the large luxury car market had proved well founded, and the Fairlane was now facing even stiffer opposition from GMH and Chrysler.

To raise the bench mark for locally built luxury sedans, the Ford designers made the ZF interior something quite special. There we high backed seats, and the luxury option included retractable seat belts, air-conditioning, a sliding sun roof, cloth seat trim, a four speaker stereo, radio tape player or push button radio, and tinted side and rear windows.

Optional performance equipment included the "Hi-Ride" suspension with limited slip differential (which was mandatory on 351ci engined cars), heavy duty shook absorbers and a dust protection package was also available. To help individualise your Fairlane, you could option two-tone paint, a tinted laminated windscreen, passenger side rear view mirror, all important vinyl roof and a choice of five colours and body mouldings. The ZF was manufactured between March 1972 and October 1973.

What Modern Motor Said...



The 1972 Fairlane is the most enigmatic car Ford has ever produced - enigmatic because its latest form is a contradiction of every principle of Ford engineering and marketing that established the car as a sales leader. Ford pioneered the long-wheelbase regular sedan market with the Fairlane and the company achieved instant sales success because of its strong philosophy on the format of the car. The product was conceived not merely as a large family sedan - it was aimed far more at the prestige and luxury market. To achieve success, Ford formulated a concept of distinctive exterior appearance to reflect status, and backed this with heavily revised interiors.

GM, caught off guard by the Fairlane's introduction and its immediate success, floundered onto the market with the Brougham - a new market concept that should have instantly been dubbed the Phony Car. It bombed out badly while the Fairlane continued to expand the possibilities of the long-wheelbase regular market. But GM recovered by new model time and launched the highly distinctive and glamorous Statesman, adding a touch of snob appeal with a De Ville model at the top. Designed and engineered five years later than the Fairlane, it had to be way ahead on concept - and it was. It stormed straight into the market and made a big impression on Fairlane - big enough to get Ford super-touchy on the subject of sales figures at a time when they were doing their best to jiggle statistics for their own benefit.

Although sales comparisons were interesting - product comparisons were obviously grossly unfair until Ford could release its own new model. The XA Fairlane is now here, so the comparisons are about to start, and the first area where the two will have to be matched is in appearance. Ford has opted for a body shape that is visually identical with the regular Falcon - but slightly dressed up with revised grille and tail-light treatments. There are other details - wheel trims, dress-strips, chrome bits etc., but from most views it is difficult to pick the cars apart. Will this upset Ford's clientele? There is no precedent in the Chrysler approach, because the original VIP was also visually similar to the Valiant, and the new Chrysler by Chrysler follows the same pattern. And its market share isn't large enough to warrant either direct comparisons, or the financial investment that extra panel design would involve.

Appearance apart, we wanted to get the immediate feel of the new Fairlane. We scored an exclusive first drive in the car in time to bring you this report and our brief workout covered most conditions. The car is still super-soft, but tends to wallow more than its predecessor with less of the positive suspension control that made good handling one of its strongpoints. It understeers firmly with lots of body roll. On rough surfaces it shifts in the tail easily, and correction is restricted with low-geared steering. It also transmits more road noise than the Statesman, but seems quieter than the superseded Fairlane. The interior is the same brilliant Ford story that we heard with the Falcon.

Seating is virtually the same, but the trim looks luxurious and feels very comfortable. The cloth-insert variety was cool and pleasant to drive. The driving position is excellent and the controls well-placed in the wrap-around dash treatment. The dashboard has been revised for a different appearance and is less successful than the Falcon. However this is largely a personal preference - some may like it. The Fairlane now runs the longest wheelbase of the three at 116.9 in. We'll have to wait until we stack-up all three cars together before we establish how well this has been related to interior space and comfort. Boot room is a massive 17.48 cu ft which ensures the golf clubs won't have to stay behind when the family packed for a holiday. Ground clearance is good at 5.35 in. but we suspect there is an overhang problem. And the prices are interesting - the Custom six starts at $3141 and the V8 $3415 (auto included).

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Also see:


Fairlane ZF Specifications
Falcon/Fairlane Identification Guide
Ford Australia Brochures
Reader Reviews page 1 of 1
Click here to add your review
Adrian
Posted Recently
I can’t understand the concept of a flagship model with base model Falcon style trim.
The Custom model seems to demote what otherwise would be the premium product.
6 cylinder, no power steering, no chrome trim around the side windows, no side body mouldings or wheel arch trims.
Even the front guard moulds are just Fairmont spec.
Looks like a taxi pack over the luxury 500 model.
Greg
Posted Recently
Were an amazing car, drove beautifully, were powerful especially in 351 form, had everything you could want in a luxury car, easily the best australian luxury car in the 70s...
 
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