1968 Ford Zephyr Mk IV AWD Police Car Prototype

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1968 Ford Zephyr Mk IV AWD Police Car Prototype emerged from a late‑1960s British effort to modernize police pursuit vehicles with cutting‑edge traction and braking technology. During this period, Harry Ferguson Research was deeply engaged in developing all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) systems and early automotive anti‑lock braking concepts adapted from aeronautical innovations. Ford collaborated with Ferguson to create a limited run of only 22 AWD Zephyr Mk IV prototypes, commissioned by the British Home Office for evaluation by various police forces.

These prototypes were equipped with the Ferguson Formula four‑wheel‑drive system and Dunlop Maxaret anti‑lock brakes, making them among the earliest vehicles to test both technologies in real‑world conditions. To meet police performance demands, Ford fitted the cars with a high‑compression 3.0‑liter Essex V6, typically reserved for the upscale Zodiac. Additional upgrades included heavy‑duty suspension, enhanced electrical systems for police equipment, and structural modifications to accommodate the front differential and revised suspension geometry. Each car underwent extensive re‑engineering at Ferguson’s Coventry facility beginning in late 1968.

Though only two examples are known to survive, this 1968 Ford Zephyr MkIV AWD Police Car Prototype is documented as the first of the 22 built.

This 1968 Ford Zephyr Mk IV AWD Police Car prototype is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with historic documents and a clean Florida title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

• Only two known to survive

• First prototype of 22 built

• Highly original mechanical condition

• Pioneering AWD and ABS systems

• High-performance 3.0L Essex V6

• Ford C4 automatic transmission

Factory Equipment

• Ferguson Formula four‑wheel‑drive system

• Dunlop Maxaret anti‑lock braking system (ABS) with four-wheel disc brakes

• Front differential integrated into engine aluminum sump

• Enhanced electrical system for lights, sirens, radios, and ancillary equipment

• Heavy‑duty front suspension using Ford Mustang springs, shocks, and top wishbones

• Independent rear suspension

• Widened transmission tunnel for the 4WD transfer case

• Upgraded dual‑circuit brakes, larger front discs

• Larger positive‑ground alternator

• Smiths calibrated speedometer

• Padded dash

• Dashboard-mounted map light

• Modified armrest

• Special zipped headlining

• Reversing lights

• Driving lamps

• Security roof light

• Working air horns and electric bell

• Seat belts

• The chassis number decodes as:

  • B – (Country): Great Britain (UK Built).

  • A (Assembly Plant): Dagenham, England.

  • 56 (Body Type): Zephyr 4-Door Saloon (specifically the Zephyr Mark IV series).

  • H (Year): 1968.

  • T (Month): August

  • 27190 (Serial Number): Production sequence number

Servicing & Documentation

• Extensive historic documentation

• This 1968 Ford Zephyr Mk IV AWD Police Car Prototype has been maintained by the museum’s dedicated restoration team to ensure it remains clean and “road ready.”

Known Imperfections

• Paint bubbles as shown in the gallery

Ownership History

This 1968 Ford Zephyr Mk IV AWD Police Car Prototype is offered from the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum.

This Ford Zephyr Mk IV was reportedly the first of 22 cars ordered by the Home Office in 1968 for police trials evaluating the new Ferguson Formula four‑wheel‑drive system and Dunlop Maxaret ABS, its “number 1” designation stamped on both the sump and transfer case. Ford was the only manufacturer willing to modify and still warranty its cars, making the Zephyr the chosen test platform. Each car received a high‑compression 3.0‑litre Essex V6, heavy‑duty suspension, enhanced brakes, a police‑spec wiring loom, and other upgrades unique to the evaluation fleet.

Sent to Ferguson Research in late 1968, WUL 365G underwent major re‑engineering, including new front suspension, a relocated engine with an integrated front differential, and a widened transmission tunnel for the 4WD transfer case. After completion, it was tested extensively at the Transport Road Research Laboratory, where further refinements were added—most notably the world’s first four‑way hazard‑warning light system.

Following limited police use, the car spent years in storage before resurfacing at auction in 1991. WUL 365G was then fully researched and sympathetically restored in the UK, regaining its period police equipment and earning the nickname “Wully.” It remains one of only two surviving examples. (The other is in New Zealand)

Included Items

• WUL 365G number plate

• Extensive historic documentation (20 lbs)

• Spare tire and jack

Additional Information

Please note this vehicle is titled as a 1969 model.

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 Email: dgould@hagerty.com