Ford Fairlane ZA
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
Through the years, the various models of Fairlane followed
the Falcon onto the market, changing when the Falcon
did, and using their own unique two letter code to distinguish
the cars.
The ZA closely followed the XR Falcon onto the market,
and used many of the smaller car’s components,
not just drivetrain and
suspension, but even the doors
were the same.
At introduction there were two models available, the
Fairlane Custom and Fairlane 500. The standard Fairlane was
fitted with a 6 cyl. "Pursuit"
motor, while the more expensive Fairlane 500 borrowed
the 289ci V8 from the American Mustang.
The rear wings were extended and raised sufficiently
differentiating it from the XR and creating the big
car look that Ford wanted.
The extra length and squared off styling went a long way
to creating the "prestige" look so important in
ensuring the Fairlane would be a success.
To be precise, the wheelbase was some 5 inches longer (127mm),
which greatly increased rear leg room.
The beautifully sculpted rear guards were borrowed from the
US Ford Galaxie, although few picked up on the connection.
The Fairlane 500 was hardly a frugal beast, slurping 18.1 miles per
gallon (15.5 litres per 100 km).
But much more important than the fuel consumption was the
asking price, and at long last there was a home grown and
affordable luxury alternative at the very reasonable price
of $3080 (Custom 6 cylinder).
The ZA was manufactured between March 1967 and March 1968.