“RUNNING COSTS WERE AROUND THE SAME AS FOR THE LESS SPACIOUS FALCON”
still relied on all-drum braking systems.
Cross-ply tyres were standard on the 302-engined Fairlane 500 but with the more powerful 351 (5.8-litre) V8 came ER70 radials, rated for speeds up to 210km/h.
In addition to inclusions designed to keep its occupants safe, there was lots inside to keep them comfortable. Unless a front bench seat was specified the ZD was supplied with reclining bucket seats and a centre console. In addition there were quality carpets, plasti-wood dash trim and multiple interior lights. Power steering was standard with the V8 and dealer-fit airconditioning a popular option.
As a family car at the sensibly priced end of the market there wasn’t much to surpass a Fairlane. Even if you opted for the six-cylinder Custom, all that interior and boot space was still included and the running costs – including insurance – were around the same as owners of the less spacious Falcon were paying.
Playing the options game became very popular during the era of the ZD Fairlane. With the switch from ZC to ZD came an expanded range of paint colours and, as our featured car demonstrates, startling paint wasn’t the only way a Fairlane could attract attention.
A full vinyl roof was standard on ‘500’ versions but buyers could specify other designs through the dealer, including the half-roof Landau type – complete with C-pillar ‘carriage irons’.
Owner Leigh Deakins is a die-hard Ford fan and runs a business called Classic Ford Parts. You can track him down via Facebook.