Because any old Mercury Zephyr is just too common, we present the Zephyr Z7. From a performance standpoint, one must assume this is better than a BMW Z3 or Z4 and almost as good as a Z8.
Most Zephyrs were amazingly boring four-doors, but this version is instead a strange two-door. Okay, it’s fairly stylish in a late 70s way and I do love the color combo. This particular car has the I6, which was the mid-level offering, as an I4 and a V8 were also offered. You can rest assured this is slow, but it would certainly stand out on the road today and you will be hard pressed to find a nicer Z7.
The most interesting point here is that this is the origin of the way-too-long-lived Ford Fox platform, which would underpin two generations or Thunderbird/Cougar twins and would live under the Mustang from 1979 through 2004.
P.S. Ford sold a version of this known as the Fairmont Futura, but you probably don’t care.
Click for Craigslist ad
Van Nuys, CA
$3,800
Beige is beautiful, but a brown accent seals the deal. No, I don’t know what the script on the massive b-pillar says.
Wheels are close enough to period-correct to fit well here, though I wonder what nasty wheel covers came stock.
Rear end ‘styling’ is reminiscent of cop cars from back in the day.
Interior appears to be in excellent shape and is delightfully late 70s.
Bench seating means you could technically fit six people in this beast. It also means there is a total lack of lateral support unless you turn right and brace against the door panel. That’s okay, this thing probably have handling that does not encourage spirited cornering.
Ad text:
1978 Mercury Zephyr 2 door coupe Z-7 limited etition (similar to Ford Fairmont) with 69k miles. Excellent condition. Clean title, California vehicle. It drives and runs perfect. No scratches or dents. It has Automatic transmission, 6 cylinder engine. It is extra rare model, very hard to find. It passes smog check easily, just passed it on 1/2/2015. Current California registration. Original blue license plates. Brand new tires. Original keys. Drives perfect on freeways.