(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. An estate version of the Zodiac Mk IV was announced at the same time as the Zephyr equivalent, and built alongside it at Farnham. No "Executive" estate was built. 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) 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 in 1967. It had a top speed of and could accelerate from 0- in 13.1 seconds. An overall fuel consumption of was recorded. By these performance criteria, the Ford betrayed its weight, but nevertheless usefully bettered the similarly sized 3.3-L-engined Vauxhall Viscount. The Ford's recommended retail price of £1,567 exceeded the £1,483 sticker price on the Viscount. References Further reading External links The Mark I Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac Owners Club The Ford Zephyr and Zodiac Owners Club of South Australia The classic BBC TV Show "Z Cars" Zephyr Rally cars Touring cars Cars introduced in 1951 1960s cars 1970s cars Sedans Rear-wheel-drive vehicles