1961 Ford Zodiac Mk2 Rally Car
A 1961 Ford Zodiac Mk2, originally registered 6565 MF on 6 June 1961 and later re-registered TSK 795, converted for historic rallying and FIA-accredited in 1991. The car compiled a solid competition record through the 1990s and 2000s, including multiple Rally of the Tests outings with consistent class podium finishes. Following collision damage in 2008, the chassis was professionally straightened and bodywork repaired; the engine was subsequently rebuilt by Scholar Engines of Ipswich to rally specification with a period Aquaplane head.
Ownership
- 2023-08-25Auction saleEstimate £15,000 – £20,000
- 1961-06-06 →Factory deliveryPrevious owner who retained the original registrationpartial documentation
Took delivery of the car new and retained the original 6565 MF registration when selling the vehicle; early history otherwise unknown.
- → 2000Unknown prior owner(s) who prepared the car for rallyingpartial documentation
Had the car modified for rallying and FIA-accredited in 1991; entered various UK and international historic rally events through the 1990s.
- 2000 →Acquisition unknownVendor's late husbandpartial documentation
An experienced engineer and established classic car specialist who campaigned the car regularly in the Rally of the Tests, achieving class top-three finishes each year from 2002 to 2007, before a 2008 accident caused the damage that prompted subsequent repairs and the engine rebuild.
Competition
- 1992Monte Carlo Classic Challenge
First recorded competition outing following FIA accreditation in 1991.
- 1992Irish Retrospective Rally
One of several UK and Irish historic rally events entered during the early 1990s.
- 1993Pirelli ChallengePirelli Classic Marathon
- 1994Highland Fling4th overall
- 1995Highland Fling5th overall
- 2002Rally of the TestsTop three in class
Car entered every year from 2002 through 2007, achieving a class podium finish each time.
- 2003Rally of the TestsTop three in class
- 2004Rally of the TestsTop three in class
- 2005Rally of the TestsTop three in class
- 2006Rally of the TestsTop three in class
- 2007Rally of the TestsTop three in class
- 2008Rally of the TestsDNF — accident
A navigation error sent the car the wrong way on a one-way road section, resulting in a head-on collision that caused significant driver's-side damage.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1991Modification
Car converted and prepared for historic rallying, then submitted for and granted FIA accreditation.
- 2008Repair
Post-accident repair following a head-on collision: chassis professionally straightened and driver's-side bodywork including a new front wing replaced, all carried out to a high standard.
Damage was confined mainly to the driver's side; repairs completed promptly after the 2008 Rally of the Tests incident.
- —Engine rebuildScholar Engines
Full engine rebuild completed by a specialist race and rally engine builder; fitted with a period Aquaplane cylinder head and additional minor modifications within applicable regulations. Full rebuild documentation and specification sheet to be supplied with the car.
Originally begun by the owner, an experienced engineer, but illness prevented completion; the partially disassembled unit was dispatched to Scholar Engines of Ipswich to finish the work.
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