Aussie Motoring

In case you don’t recognise the name or the image let me introduce you to the 1954 Ford Zephyr Mk1 sedan. The Ford Zephyr was an English car manufactured between 1951 and 1955. The engine for this car was a specially designed 6 cylinder overhead valve engine with a capacity of 2262cc.

In 1954 Ford introduced an upmarket version of the Zephyr known as the Zodiac and the car shown in the photo is thought to be one of those luxury vehicles. Of course, luxury was a relative term back in 1954 and by today’s standards the Zodiac would be considered somewhat spartan.

The Zodiac specifications included:

Two-tone paint

White-wall tyres

Twin auxiliary lamps and gold plated badges (which seem to be missing from the car in the photo)

Leather upholstery

Heater

Clock

Arm rests and a

Radio

The Zephyr also came as a station wagon.

The Zephyr’s were quite popular here in Australia where they competed directly with the FJ Holden.

Few Zephyrs remain on Australian roads today and the example in the photograph was taken at a small vintage and veteran car display in Hervey Bay Qld in 2005.

2005 saw an increase in the number of new vehicles sold in Australia but at the same time it also saw an increase in unsold vehicles held my GMH and Ford.

In an effort to clear stocks Holden ran a discount campaign that was to finish at the end of December but, as I write this, it’s still going on. On the other hand Ford’s discount programme does appear to have finised at the end of December.

Final figures for the year put Toyota ahead of GMH and Ford for Australian sales.

In the United States the domestic manufacturers’ market share fell to a new low of just 57% and Toyota claimed that its Camry sedan was the best selling car in the US for the fourth year in a row. Toyota’s Lexus vehicles were the best-selling luxury brand.

And Toyota wasn’t the only foreign car manufacturer to do well in the United States during 2005. Nissan and Hyunda joined Toyota in reporting at least a 9% increase in sales in the US in 2005.

From now till the end of December Ford and Holden are fighting over the $12,990 price point in the small car market.

Originally Holden claimed the $12,990 price point as their own with the Barina coming in right on the nose with an equipment level that included air.

But from now till the end of December Ford are offering $1000 cash back on the Ford Fiesta and that brings Ford’s small car down to the level of the Barina.

Unfortunately, if you want to ride in airconditioned comfort in a Fiesta it’s going to set you back another $2000.

The $12,990 price for the Fiesta will only hold till the end of December or when stocks run out. A slightly upgraded model is due to hit the showroom floors from January.