Ford Fairlane ZH

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Ford Fairlane ZH

Ford Fairlane

Ford Fairlane ZH

1976 - 1979
Country:
Australia
Engine:
V8
Capacity:
302 / 351ci V8
Power:
220/290 bhp
Transmission:
3 spd. auto
Top Speed:
180 km/h
Number Built:
22,982 Fairlane 500's
Collectability:
2 star
Ford Fairlane ZH
Ford Fairlane ZH
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 2

Introduction



The ZH was Ford's answer to all the citiscism of its predecessors. While again retaining the central structure of the XC Falcon, the designers put much extra bulk into the car, not only giving it a big car look, but also actually lengthening it as well.

It may have appeared as a radical increase to the amount of sheet metal over previous Fairlane's, however the Ford designers needed to regain a huge slump in Fairlane sales, coming off a high of 50.3 percent to an all time low of 27 percent in the early part of 1976.

The design relied heavily on that of US built Ford luxury cars, big, bold and imposing. The equipment list was also improved, standard fitment now including steel-belted radial tyres, a limited slip diff, rear disc brakes and intermittent wipers.

The "Custom" model was dropped, the 500 now becoming the "entry level" Fairlane. The new Marquis model was the up-market offering, it coming standard with air-conditioning, power windows and twin "lounge" seats up front, both with individual arm-rests, but allowing a third passenger to be accommodated if required.

The impressive front end combined well with an elegant rear styling treatment, the redesigned Falcon XC rear doors with a lower upsweep removed the previous coke bottle style and allowed not only a more airy interior feel, but gave the car a modern, square shouldered look. Inside, the redesigned instrument panel was for the first time made from plastic.

To broaden the appeal of the big Ford, a limited edition "Sportsman" model was released, it featuring a colour-keyed vinyl roof, chrome plated door mirrors and Volante alloy wheels. For those living in the country, Ford introduced an "Outback Country Suspension Kit", which included a factory fitted tow bar and 128 litre long range fuel tank, along with firmer heavy duty suspension.

There was little to criticise about the ZH Fairlane, although the boot was too shallow and small for a car of its size, and the imposition of the petrol filler made matters worse. Nevertheless the design was bold and elegant, and it for a time arrested the slump in Fairlane sales. Updates in May 1978 saw changes to the carburettor in an attempt to reduce fuel consumption, while the Marquis was now fitted with six-way power adjustable front seats. The ZH was manufactured between May 1976 and May 1979.
ZH Fairlane Marquis
Ford Marquis

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Also see:


Fairlane ZH Specifications
Falcon/Fairlane Identification Guide
Reader Reviews page 1 of 1
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L.Bower
Posted Recently
Hi everyone chasing a set of zh fairlaine tailights
L.Bower
Posted Recently
Hi everyone chasing a set of zh fairlaine tailights
Melzy
Posted Recently
Can anyone give me a ball park figure on what an immaculate bonnet for a 1977 ZH would go for these days?
Rob
Posted Recently
Hi everyone,I'm after passenger side front quarter panel zh fairlane. Robbiemc70@gmail ***
Deborah Baker
Posted Recently
I recently purchased this awesome headturning car . Love everything about it. Good cruising car ♡♡♡
Blair Sauer
Posted Recently
Don't mind the ZH fairlane. although bucket seats, air conditioning and t bar auto would be a great drive.
Ray
Posted Recently
I have been left my fathers ZH Fairlane looking to put air conditioning in it can anyone suggest in Victoria is the best place.
greg
Posted Recently
The zh was a much better car than the statesman equivalent.it felt much more solid & was more upper class.
josh
Posted Recently
I have a 78 marquis with minor rust. Vinyl roof needs to be re done. Clear is coming off paint heaps of spares inc bonnet front doors and gards gearbox and more car runs and drives. What sort of price should I ask when selling?
Adam
Posted Recently
I have a set of ZH Marquis front seats with electronics for sale. Some tears but good for age. $300ono. 0477 688 572.
Jennie
Posted Recently
HI everyone,wondering if anyone can help me.My dad has a ZH 351,He removed the sunroof and lining and then unfortunately had a stroke and has forgot how to put it back together.He and mum nearly had it but its jumped a tooth on the cabel,they will take it out and try again ,but if anyone could send me photos of how its ment to look or instructions i would really appreciate it
Thanks
stevejennie@hotmail ***
dave
Posted Recently
Just bought a ZH 500 351 original everything including long range tank (125 litre) 145000ks on clock. matching numbers as well. Everything works including sunroof winder. have looked for a long time for a good one and finally have it. We will never sell this car, when the world runs out of petrol i will push it!!!
bill
Posted Recently
i just bought a really good zh 5oo 351 just needs a small bit done on front fender immaculate inside drives like a new car got it for 8 gs i think thats a bargain.
KimCoskun
Posted Recently
Also due to limited time off work (chef hrs) and his 4 runner bout to die want a quick sale so will be a great deal for this classic beauty!!
KimCoskun
Posted Recently
Hi Wannabe- My brother has a Ford Fairlane for sale-
Below are details-
Ford Fairlane ZH Marquee 1976, 351 cleveland rebuilt, rebuilt gearbox, new radiator- however some rusted, windows dont work.
Let me know if you wanna come and check out located at Burpengary QLD :-)
scot
Posted Recently
gday l own a zh 351 9inc and all elecs l ownd the rolls royce modle till it went up in flames the zh l own now has that front end and rear end lights fitted xc gxl rally gauges and all 4 head lights are low an hi beams the vinal roof gone and lm wanting to either 2 tone the paint or solid and leave the crome trim any ideas as lve had to give up working due to a mild stroke and does any body know where l could fing decant rear wheel arch trim l live in maryborough vic l have a spare zh nose cone and bits and a spare front rolls modle front please if anybody can help ld be grateful deathwolfe@live *** ***
shay
Posted Recently
just picked up a zh fairlane 500 with a 351 absolutley immaculate inside and out got a great deal as well. are there any good ford car clubs in perth?
wanabe
Posted Recently
Trs...you might want to try albury...i know there is a few places in albury that deal with old ford and holdens (this is going by me reading alot of street machine magazines) but i cant remember what they are called...i know one place called engine masters australia in albury they might be able to help...i think...give them a try
Mr.X
Posted Recently
Trs, if your looking for somebody to service it. Ring up a few classic American/Aussie car clubs and just ask them where they service their babies.
Trs
Posted Recently
I have my darling recently deceased dads '77 ZH needs work and I am finding it really hard to find some mechanic who will work on it. I am in NE Vic and most people dont care and won't touch it. Yes it needs a lot of work but I am emotionally attatched to it and I have owned 2 of my own. Anyone know anyone near Benalla who can help me? Thanks Trs
wanabe
Posted Recently
man im trying to get my hands on a zh marquis...funds are a bit of trouble at the moment but yeah its an awesome car....mr x...zh's are going up now buddy...u musta got lucky if you got yours immaculate inside and out,,,thats very hard to come across...people would sell theres for 3g but theres still a bit of work to be done on them..hard to find a zh without any problems....back ends is allways a big problem with these machines...and alot of other problems..but in the end they are a beautiful machine....KINGI...america had their own ford mercury marquis model before australia replied back with the zh ford marquis....its all the same but front ends a bit different on the mercury marquis....beautiful machine aswell
wanabe
Posted Recently
man im trying to get my hands on a zh marquis...funds are a bit of trouble at the moment but yeah its an awesome car....mr x...zh's are going up now buddy...u musta got lucky if you got yours immaculate inside and out,,,thats very hard to come across...people would sell theres for 3g but theres still a bit of work to be done on them..hard to find a zh without any problems....back ends is allways a big problem with these machines...and alot of other problems..but in the end they are a beautiful machine....KINGI...america had their own ford mercury marquis model before australia replied back with the zh ford marquis....its all the same but front ends a bit different on the mercury marquis....beautiful machine aswell
Mr.X
Posted Recently
This is my first and hopefully last car. The interior is spacious (and not like todays cars tent standards either) comfy and oozes character and style with all the wood horizontal dial and collum shift. And on the outside shes absolutly stunning. The only real problem is that it takes up a whole double garage ;)
What really gets me though is why they are so cheap. People come up to me and say all the time "wow what a beauty! how much did you pay 15-20g??' and their jaws drop when i tell em i only payed 3g.
I mean *** most of these cars cost less than the Lpg systems their fitted with why??
Tait
Posted Recently
Am looking for a Brake Booster for my '78 ZH. Does anyone know what model booster I need?
angela
Posted Recently
we have just purchased a beaten up 78 zh fairlane and are lookin for new front seats and bits and pieces. has anyone got any? or know where i can find em cheap in sydney area? cheers.
kingi
Posted Recently
hello yeh i got a ford marquis 1979 351 got the leather buckets cumfy as seats leather console and thats my pride and joy irekon theyre nice machines its australian model but i live in new zealand and its still got the vergin motor in it thumbs up 4 me now in saying that my mate has got one. but its american model exactly the same but he hasnt got leather his one is cloth upholstery and i got single pipe system with the one arch in the bumper for the exhaust to slot in and his one has got the twin arch for the exhaust to slot in but i think mine is the better 1 bcorz its leather so who originaly brought out the marquis australia or america
troy
Posted Recently
yeah howdy looking for passenger frount and back door windows and handles 1978 zh ford fairlane plez email at steady69@live ***
Sue
Posted Recently
Hi im looking for a left rear quater panel for a 1977 zh ford ltd. If anybody know any one that could help me could you please email me on; sue.lambert1@bigpond *** ***
Ricco
Posted Recently
Did Fairlanes ever come in coupes?
Clarky
Posted Recently
yep, after owning xr,xw,xy,xa,xa coupe,xa panel van,xb panel van, xc coupe,xc wagon,zh marquis, i made the mistke of an xd falcon, it fell to bits in 2 years. I have now gone back to the zh which is by far the best of them all
Alex Francis
Posted Recently
Yes I Agree They made a very big Mistake!!!!!!!!
Darryl Stone
Posted Recently
Ford went out with a bang on the ZH.
Last of the chrome bumper Fairlanes had the classic look.
Big,bold & luxury.
Everything that followed lacked style and suffered from poor
Quailty controll and finish in a nut shell just plain ugly.
 
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