Classic Car Mart Spring 2016 81
Buying guide: MkII Big Fords
under the front and rear screen rubbers and all
four doors will rot out at the bottom. At the rear
of the car, the boot floor can corrode badly, as
can the trailing edge of the rear wings as well as
around the inner and outer rear wheelarches.
Replacement repair panels for a rusty MkII are
available from a number of specialists but these
can be expensive. Probably the only panel that
won’t rust on a MkII providing the paint hasn’t
been damaged is the roof, although if a sunroof
has been fitted, check for corrosion around the
opening and that all the drains are clear.
INTERIOR
The more expensive Zephyr and Zodiac had a
higher level of trim than the entry level Consul
and the specifications for the two Z-cars also
included leather seat facings as a cost option.
Whether the car you’re looking at has leatherette
or genuine hide seat facings, make sure there
are no rips or unsightly tears as a tatty interior
will be expensive to put right. New carpet sets
are readily available and although the original
plastic covered door cards were reasonably hard
wearing, damp caused by poor door seals will
quickly destroy them. Thankfully, specialists such
as Aldridge Trimming (01902 710805, http://www.
aldridge.co.uk) are able to supply a limited range
Low-line MkII's received a rectangular instrument binnacle from 1959. Earlier models had a
semi-circular affair.
E.J. Abbott of Farnham produced a spacious estate version of the Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac. Survivors
are thin on the ground and first class examples command a high premium over saloon models.