Ford Fairlane ZA

Through the years, the various models of Fairlane followed the Falcon onto the market, changing when the Falcon did, and using their own unique two letter code to distinguish the cars.

The ZA closely followed the XR Falcon onto the market, and used many of the smaller car’s components, not just drivetrain and suspension, but even the doors were the same.

At introduction there were two models available, the Fairlane Custom and Fairlane 500. The standard Fairlane was fitted with a 6 cyl. "Pursuit" motor, while the more expensive Fairlane 500 borrowed the 289ci V8 from the American Mustang.

The rear wings were extended and raised sufficiently differentiating it from the XR and creating the big car look that Ford wanted.

The extra length and squared off styling went a long way to creating the "prestige" look so important in ensuring the Fairlane would be a success.

To be precise, the wheelbase was some 5 inches longer (127mm), which greatly increased rear leg room.

The beautifully sculpted rear guards were borrowed from the US Ford Galaxie, although few picked up on the connection. The Fairlane 500 was hardly a frugal beast, slurping 18.1 miles per gallon (15.5 liters per 100 km).

But much more important than the fuel consumption was the asking price, and at long last there was a home grown and affordable luxury alternative at the very reasonable price of $3080 (Custom 6 cylinder).

The ZA was manufactured between March 1967 and March 1968.