1972 FORD FAIRLANE 500.
An all-new, Australian-designed ZF series Fairlane was launched in April 1972, with swoopier bodywork, but criticisms launched that it looked too much like a four-headlamp version of the basic Falcon. The ZF Fairlanes were joined by an even more upscale LTD in August 1973, with hidden headlamps and vinyl roofs. Model names remained the same (Custom and 500), as did the engine choices, as the previous model year. Although this car was designed and built exclusively in Australia, its styling is reminiscent of the US-market Mercury Montego. The 1973 ZF also had the last manual transmission; afterwards, all Fairlanes were automatics.
This model was also sold in South Africa, unlike the Falcon, which was discontinued in favour of the European Granada. Only the Fairlane 500, with column shift and seating for six, was available in South Africa. These cars were fitted with the 250 hp (186 kW) Cleveland 351 (5.8-litre) V8 engine.
ZF (1972–1973)
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 351 ci 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.
CC rating: 4,948cc 302 ci (4.9L) V8
NZ First Registration: 21-Feb-1973
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