zodiacs! inform a youn'g un

You talking about a mk2? If so, I'm your man as I own this one...




Right then, allow me to answer your questions.

Rot is hit and miss with these, you either get one that's fairly solid (like mine) or one that's got more oxidised metal than HMS Titanic. When they do rot though, tend to rot from the inside out. Chassis rails can go, outriggers rot, the floors go as does the bulkhead and inner wings. The boot floor, towards the back of the car/filler area rots out in quite a nasty fashion and the rear-most spring hangers will soon catch up. The roof rots around the channelling and the rear scuttle goes too. Doors rot from the inside out usually at the bottom first which splits the outer skin from the door shell, inner window mechanisms fail, rear arches fall off for fun, front wigs rot in the corners by the bonnet and at the base of the a-pillars. If the a-pillars get damp they rot quickly as do the sills. Oh, and the bonnets rot extensively at the corners too. Not too bad for Ford, really.

Basically, if you're looking at one make sure you take your time. Poor repairs just hide rot, and by the time you see that rot resurface it could be too late.

The 2553cc straight six is a solid, dependable and tough old lump. It's never going to set the world on fire, but it'll never break either (as long as it's properly maintained). As I learned though, you have to watch the ignition system as it can be temperamental to say the least. Engine wise though, they're tough as old boots. Mine has a mk3 engine which is fractionally tougher, it's a great old engine and simple to look after. Starts first time, every time too.

Consumables are simple enough to get hold hold of. You just have to use people like Zodiac Motor Spares, Old Ford Autos or any good, time served auto factors. Panels and trim however are a nightmare and when they do come up they cost a small fortune. I saw a NOS wing go for £700 recently. If panels need to be replaced I suggest you stay open to the idea of fibreglass.

Not many left in the grand scale of things, but enough to make them a viable classic. I don't know exact numbers. You think there's none, then you go to a show like Wheels day and see 25 at once!

Prices vary. There is a rotten one with no brightwork or and a dead engine for sale on www.carandclassic.co.uk at the mo for £750, you can find it here, it actually doesn't look too bad. Mine was £1500 with no test or rent, although if I sold it now (not that I ever will) it'd go for around £3250 I would imagine, despite being nowhere near mint.

Get one bought. I love mine to its very core, it's an amazing car and a hoot to drive. Ask anyone on here what it's like, most of them drove it at the Gathering last year!

Got any pics of the one you're looking at?

Chris

EDIT: It's also worth mentioning that they're offensively cheap to insure! Mine is £140 fully comp, and I'm 27.

Told you the Pollitt was your man....

Yeah, its a blast to drive, even just round the field (not that I could get the hang of the gearbox. Although it was plenty easier than KFW's hillbilly truck)