1961 Ford Zodiac Mk2 Rally Car

Built in 1961, our vendor describes this car as 'Foremost a rally car that happens to be a Zodiac Mk2 and not the other way around', and that certainly does appear to be the case. TSK 795 was built as a standard car back in the early 1960s, before the swinging era, when Ford were producing solid, post-war cars, evoking be-finned American saloons of the period. Top of the range Zodiacs were frequently finished in two-tone colourways, as is the case with this car, to distinguish them clearly from the similar looking, but much less luxurious Zephyr.

Originally registered as 6565 MF on 6th June 1961, that registration stayed with a previous owner and the Zodiac was subsequently re-registered as TSK 795. There is little known about the early history known of TSK, until it was modified for rallying and FIA accredited back in 1991, after which it competed in the Monte Carlo Classic Challenge in 1992. Subsequently it rallied within the UK regularly, including the 1992 Irish Retrospective, the Pirelli Challenge in 1993 and achieved a fourth and fifth overall in the Highland Fling in 1994 and 1995 respectively. Our vendor's late husband acquired the car in 2000, and competed in the Rally of the Tests every year from 2002 to 2007 with a top-three position in class every year, however in 2008 a navigator error took him up a down road, and he had a head on collision. The car was damaged on the driver's side but it was all quickly repaired to a very high standard, chassis professionally straightened, new wing etc.

Whilst the car was away, our vendor's husband, an experienced engineer and long-established classic car specialist, took the opportunity to remove the engine prior to rebuilding it himself, however he had become ill in the meantime and wasn't able to complete the rebuild. Consequently, it was sent to Scholar Engines of Ipswich, well-known builders of race and rally engines to be rebuilt. It's fitted with a period Aquaplane head and other slight modifications (within the regulations) and details of the rebuild and spec will be supplied with the car. It's now complete apart from refitting its original racing harnesses and is supplied with some spares, spare wheels and tyres.

In excellent condition, it's been suggested that it could be returned to standard as a show car, however, that would seem to be shame given its history and the fact that it's rally-ready. Eligible to compete in the RAC Memorial Rally, some HERO events, most Classic Rally Association events and club road rallies anywhere, this venerable Zodiac will attract lots of affectionate attention wherever you go, as everyone's dad or grandad had one. It is, however, a competitive Historic Rally Car and needs to be back in action, negotiating the twisty roads in North Wales or the leafy lanes in Southern Ireland, with the September/October rally season just around the corner.

Offered at No Reserve, we invite and encourage your inspection of this classic Ford.