Editing Ford Zephyr (section)

=== Zodiac and Executive Mark IV<span class="anchor" id="3012E"></span><span class="anchor" id="3022E"></span>===
{{Infobox automobile
| name       = {{ubli|Ford Zodiac Mark IV | Ford Executive}}
| image      = Ford Zodiac MkIV first registered November 1971 2994cc.JPG
| caption    = Ford Zodiac Mark IV Saloon
| production = 1966–1972
| engine     = {{cvt|2994|cc|CID|1}} ''[[Ford Essex V6 engine (UK)|Essex]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]]
| body_style = {{ubli|4-door [[sedan (car)|saloon]]|5-door [[station wagon|estate car]] (conversion)}}
| related    = 
}}
'''Models 3012E / 3022E'''

The Zodiac Mark IV and "Executive" had four headlights and an uprated {{convert|2994|cc|CID|0|abbr=on}} V6 engine. Claimed output was 140&nbsp;bhp 'net' at 4,750&nbsp;rpm, with {{convert|181.5|lbft|abbr=on}} of torque at 3,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref name=Autocar1967>{{cite journal|title = Autocar Road Test Ford Executive 2,994 c.c. |quote=Ford's Top [UK] Car, with V6 engine and automatic transmissions. Comfortable five-seater, with all independent suspension. Power steering, but handling vague. Optional radial-ply tyres give good grip. Brakes light for normal use but very heavy for emergencies. Poor town fuel consumption. Good finish and tasteful interior trim. |journal=Autocar |volume=126 |issue=3716) |pages=49–53 |date=4 May 1967}}</ref>  The Zodiac featured an [[alternator (auto)|alternator]] instead of a dynamo on the Zephyr, an adjustable steering column, a spare wheel in the engine compartment, a heater and ''Aeroflow'' ventilation, electric window washers, two-speed wipers, a cigar lighter, rev counter (tachometer), clock, [[ammeter]], and reversing lights as standard.

The Zephyr/Zodiac Mark IVs with their complex independent rear suspension design represented a considerable step up when compared to the Mark III big Fords that they replaced. Ford also determined to widen the price gap between the Zephyr and Zodiac versions. In January 1967, less than a year after the car's introduction, Ford announced that production of the Mark IVs was being cut back in response to poor sales. The announcement was accompanied by several pieces of more upbeat news about Cortina sales, and it was stressed that workers taken off Zephyr/Zodiac production would all be redeployed on the Cortina production lines.<ref name=Autocar196701>{{cite journal |editor-last=Smith |editor-first=Maurice A. |title =News and views: Cortina exports |journal=Autocar |volume=126 |issue=3700)|page=46 |date=12 January 1967}}</ref>

An estate version of the Zodiac Mk IV was announced at the same time as the Zephyr equivalent, and built alongside it at [[Abbott Coachbuilders|Farnham]].<ref name=Autocar1972/>  No "Executive" estate was built.<ref name=Autocar1972/>

The "Executive" was an upmarket version, and had the highest specification offered by Ford to UK customers in the 1960s. Automatic transmission (the Zodiac's four-speed manual box with overdrive being also available as a 'no cost' option<ref name=Autocar1967/>) along with power steering and a sunroof were standard equipment. Other standard features included fully reclining front seats, walnut fascia, full instrumentation, carpeting throughout, reversing lights, fog lamps, front inertial-reel safety belts, and a radio. The Executive was distinguishable from other models by exterior trim and name badges on the front and rear.

An automatic transmission-equipped Ford Executive was tested by Britain's ''[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]]'' in 1967. It had a top speed of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 13.1 seconds.<ref name=Autocar1967/> An overall fuel consumption of {{convert|17.2|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded.<ref name=Autocar1967/> By these performance criteria, the Ford betrayed its weight, but nevertheless usefully bettered the similarly sized 3.3-L-engined [[Vauxhall Cresta#Viscount|Vauxhall Viscount]]. The Ford's recommended retail price of £1,567 exceeded the £1,483 sticker price on the Viscount.<ref name=Autocar1967/>
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Ford Zodiac Mk IV estate Reg April 1971.JPG|Ford Zodiac Mark IV estate conversion
File:Ford Executive December 1967 2994cc.JPG|Ford Executive 1967 
File:Ford Executive registered October 1966 2994cc.jpg|Ford Executive 1966 
</gallery>
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