Australian Cars Issue 30

COLLECT ALL THE LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC CARS

Immerse yourself in the thrilling history of Australian automotive engineering with the Ford Fairlane ZB, a true symbol of accessible luxury and long-distance refinement from 1968. Ford advertising for the 1968 Ford Fairlane boldly stated: "This is the luxury motorcar that more people move up to than any other car" — and for good reason. In a decade when prestige motoring often came at a prohibitive price, the Fairlane ZB offered something genuinely remarkable: cars at a similar level of luxury were often double the price.

Built on a stretched Australian Falcon platform with a 5-inch longer wheelbase, the ZB was a mildly facelifted evolution of the 1967 ZA series, now offering a 302ci V8 engine paired with Ford's SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The quad headlamps were set horizontally within a full-width grille — distinct from the stacked US arrangement — while the Australian pressings featured their own rounded wheel-arches, giving the ZB a character entirely its own. Inside, the top-of-the-range Fairlane 500 came lavishly appointed: Twin-Comfort lounge front seats, individual reclining buckets with a central armrest, electric clock, carpet, and reverse lights set it well apart from anything else on Australian roads at the price. The ZA and ZB Fairlanes were also among the first models sold in Australia with front lap and sash seat belts and other mandated safety equipment. Where Fairlanes truly excelled was in their ability to cover big distances on bitumen backroads — perfectly suited to the vast Australian continent.

This precise 1:43 scale replica captures the very essence of the legendary Fairlane ZB — an emblem of a generation of Australians who wanted more from their motoring, without paying the price of imported prestige.

The Ford Fairlane ZB is meticulously reproduced in high-quality die-cast metal, with details faithful to the original that capture its long, elegant proportions, distinctive full-width grille, and refined period trim. Rubber tires and swiveling wheels add a touch of realism to this distinguished model.

Each piece comes accompanied by a captivating magazine filled with articles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Australian automotive, sourced from the archives of the renowned publication Wheels.

Features:

• Faithfully reproduced model at 1:43 scale
• High-quality die-cast metal for exceptional durability
• Precise detailing for maximum authenticity — including the signature ZB full-width grille, quad headlamps, and long-wheelbase proportions
• Rubber tires and swiveling wheels for heightened realism

Relive the golden era of Australian prestige motoring with this distinguished model. Add the Ford Fairlane ZB to your Australian Cars collection today!