1971 Ford Fairlane ZD 302 V8 Sedan

Description

Based on the XR Falcon, Ford Australia's first locally designed and built Fairlane was designated the ZA and proved an immediate success when announced in 1967. Although the cheaper Custom model was only sold in six-cylinder form, the upmarket Fairlane 500 - boasting reclining bucket seats and plenty of woodgrain trim - was powered by the 289-cid V8. Face lifted as the ZB in 1968, the Fairlane 500 now came with a 302-cid V8, automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes as standard equipment. With the introduction of the ZC range in 1969, the Fairlane came in for some major restyling, with vertical headlamps at the front and wraparound tail lights and chrome strips along the sills and around the wheel arches on the 500. Further changes included more insulation to make the car quieter and the introduction of air conditioning as an option. For the first time, the Fairlane 500 was available with the 351-cid V8 engine pumping out 250 bhp in standard tune. In November 1970, Ford released the final model of the original Z-series Fairlanes in the form of the ZD, with a grille copying the Lincoln Continental, revised tail light treatment, new hubcaps and some minor improvements to the interior. Those ZD Fairlanes fitted with the big V8s have become increasingly sought after by Blue Oval aficionados who prefer their muscle in a luxury package.