ZF FAIRLANE

         
Complimenting the 1972 release of the all-Australian designed third generation XA Falcon range was the all-
Australian designed second generation luxury Fairlane, the first incarnation being the ZF model. The Australian
'Fairlane' range was originally based on the American built vehicle of the same name, the product being named
after Henry Ford's luxury estate in Dearborn, Michigan. The first generation Australian Fairlanes were assembled
from 1967 to 1972 and had been developed from the 1959 to 1964 US designed but Australian assembled models.
The second generation ZF Fairlane did draw some criticism for looking remarkably similar in styling, particularly
around the doors, to the XA Falcon model but was notably longer in appearance being a long-wheelbase (LWB)
luxury model - 5 inches longer than the XA Falcon with a 12.3 inch overall longer length.
The ZF Fairlane range was a Ford sales success out selling the equivalent Holden and Chrysler luxury models.
The ZF was on sale from March, 1972 to October, 1973 with a total of 17,306 built at both Broadmeadows and
Brisbane (Eagle Farm) during that time.

Date of Introduction
23 March, 1972
Period of Sale
March, 1972 - October, 1973
Australian prices at time of introduction
Fairlane Custom: $3,900.00
Fairlane 500: $4,790.00
         
BASIC ZF SPECIFICATIONS
    Custom 500  
  Length: 198.8 inches
(5050mm)		 198.8 inches
(5050mm)		  
  Width: 74.6 inches
(1895mm)		 74.6 inches
(1895mm)		  
  Height: 53.9 inches
(1369mm)		 53.9 inches
(1369mm)		  
  Wheelbase: 116 inches
(2946mm)		 116 inches
(2946mm)		  
         

 

     
FAIRLANE CUSTOM
It is notable that the ZF Fairlane Custom was the last Fairlane series to feature a manual transmission as
a standard fitting with all Fairlanes subsequently built only as automatics without a manual option. The
Custom had all the usual luxury items such as bucket seating (a bench seat was optional however!), carpets
and extra padding, plus all-round courtesy lighting including glove box and back boot.
     
BODY STYLE Sedan
STANDARD FITTINGS  
  Engine: 155hp 250ci (3.3L) Inline 6 Cylinder / 1V / HC
  Transmission: Manual 3-spd Column Shift (All-Synchro)
STANDARD RPOs
  03 - Seatbelts Mandatory.
  05 - Power Disc Brakes (Front)  
  19 - Reclining Bucket Seats Foldaway Centre Console Armrest with column shift.
  39 - Carpets  
     

The ZF Fairlane Custom was the baseline luxury version with a 'six' engine and column shift manual
transmission as standard items. This one is Pottery Beige in colour with a vinyl roof.
     
FAIRLANE 500
Somewhat fancier was the Fairlane 500 series which, as standard fittings, had a 302ci V8 and auto transmission
with variable ratio power steering. The electrics were also fancier with a dashboard clock, remote-control side
mirror and, along with the courtesy lights of the Custom series, special rear seat reading lamps. There was also
the special padded door trims with padded door armrests. Generally the Fairlane 500 incorporated all the
plush fittings of the Falcon - Futura and Fairmont series with full wheel covers and front power disc brakes.
     
BODY STYLE Sedan
STANDARD FITTINGS  
  Engine: 240hp 302ci (4.9L) V8 / 2V / HC
  Transmission: Automatic 3-spd Column Shift (Cruisomatic)
STANDARD RPOs  
  03 - Seatbelts Mandatory.
  05 - Power Disc Brakes (Front)  
  06 - Power Steering  
  14 - Full Wheel Covers  
  19 - Reclining Bucket Seats Foldaway Centre Console Armrest with column shift.
  30 - Electric Clock  
  39 - Carpets  
  62 - Styled Exterior R/V Mirror
        RHS Remote Control		  
     

ZF Fairlane 500 sported a four headlight front grille in a design that is remarkably similar
to the American Ford Galaxies of the period.
 

The ZF Fairlane 500 dashboard had the four warning lamps, which were a cluster above the
air vent / heater controls in the Falcon, as centrepiece items across the width of the dash.
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