1985 Ford Fairlane ZL from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

As usual the ford door handles let it down, always breaking in 6month intervals, the front ones lasting longer.

Roof lining sagged.

Air con only worked on 4 and not 1,2,3. easily fixed by auto electrician.

This would have to be one of the best cars I have ever owned. Very comfortable,luxurious and very large interior, comfortably seating 3 adults in back. The digital dash cluster is excellent and clear, showing your exact speed. the instruments around the dash cluster make it easy and accessible without taking your eyes off the road.

The interior is well spaced out and is modern for its age. The electric windows never gave me any trouble, as did the electrical system (bar the air con fan). The car is fast off the mark with the 4.1 litre and starts first go everytime, even on cold mornings. It did chew up a bit of juice when in traffic and if not kept tuned. The car aged very well and with 380 on the clock, it was still going well.

Yep your words are all true about the car especially the part it's fast off the mark, I'm an L plater I know. have been driving the car ever since I got my L's and it hasn't died whilst driving or in the garage, some things do fail on the car, but usually has nothing to do with the motor, the car has done 449,000km and still going STRONG. repairs for it is a different matter, the cost of the parts for an old car and for the mechanic to put them in all costs, but some things you can do yourself easly. At this day in age you need to use the replacement fuel that you add to the tank, I would always add more because more is better for the motor and also I would recommend injector cleaner because you don't know if lead is clogging the injector's and the lines so adding this to your petrol tank could save you some cash.

To fix you fan in the bottom of the hearer box there is a little swich take it out and clean it I had the same prob.

I have just bought a ZL and plan on restoring her all original except a 351 Windsor and Borg warner 4 speed manual. Does anyone know where I can get the dash re-calibrated when I drop my 351 in?