Chronology
Previous model: ZC Fairlane
Next model: ZF Fairlane
Production Times
The ZD Fairlane was introduced November 1970 to March 1972. On sale for about 16 months
Model line up
ZD Fairlane Custom
ZD Fairlane 500
Prices at introduction
Custom six: $3 985
500 V8: $4 395
500 with 351 V8: $4 495
Number Built
12 797
Engines
4.1L inline six (250 cubic inch)
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Six
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 250 cubic inches (4.10 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.91 inches (93 x 99mm)
Power: 155bhp (116kw) at 4400rpm
Torque: 240lbs/ft (325Nm) at 1600rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor
302 V8
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Eight
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 302 cubic inches (4.95 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches (102 x 76mm)
Power: 220bhp (165kw) at 4600rpm
Torque: 300lbs/ft (405Nm) at 2600rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel System: Two barrel carburettor
351
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Eight
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 351 cubic inches (5.75 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches (102 x 89mm)
Power: 250bhp (186kw) at 4600rpm
Torque: 355lbs/ft (481Nm) at 2600rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Fuel System: Two barrel carburettor
Transmissions
Manual
Manual (Six, 3 speed)
1st: 2.05:1
2nd: 1.69:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 3.67:1
Manual (V8, 3 speed)
1st: 2.71:1
2nd: 1.69:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 3.37:1
Manual (Six and V8, 4 speed)
1st: 2.78:1
2nd: 1.93:1
3rd: 1.36:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.78:1
Automatic
‘Cruisomatic’ Auto (Six)
1st: 2.39:1
2nd: 1.45:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.09:1
‘Cruisomatic’ Auto (302 V8)
1st: 2.46:1
2nd: 1.46:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.20:1
Rear axle ratios
3.6L Manual: 3.23:1
3.6L Automatic: 3.50:1
302 V8: 2.93:1
351 V8: 3.25:1
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
9.25 inch on 6 cylinder models
10 inch on V8 models
Chassis
Unitary construction (Monocoque)
Suspension
Front: Independent type with coil springs and hydraulic double acting shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic springs with hydraulic double acting shock absorbers
Steering
Recirculating ball, ratio 20:1
Power steering optional, ratio 16:1
Brakes
Front: Hydraulic 10 inch (254mm) drums on Custom
Power assisted disc standard on 500, optional on Custom
Discs: 11.25 inches
Rear: Hydraulic 10 inch (254mm) drums
Electrical
12 Volt, coil and alternator ignition
Exhaust
Six Cylinder: Single tail-pipe, zinc annealed type muffler
V8: Twin pipes
Wheels
Pressed steel disc wheels with safety rims
Tyres
Six Sedans: 6.95 x 14 four-ply
ER70 x 14 oval radial ply optional on all models
Exterior Dimensions
Total Length: 196.3 inches (4986mm)
Total width: 73.5 inches (1867mm)
Total height at kerb weight: 55.8 inches (1417mm)
Wheelbase: 116 inches (2946mm)
Weight: 3 120lbs (1415kg)
Front Track: 58.9 inches (1496mm)
Rear Track: 58.5 inches (1486mm)
Turning Circle: 41.1 feet (12.5 meters)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.4 Gallons (74.6 litres)
Luggage Capacity: 30 cubic feet (850 litres)
Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom: 38.3 inches (973mm)
Rear Headroom: 37.6 inches (955mm)
Front shoulder room: 58 inches (1473mm)
Rear shoulder room: 58 inches (1473mm)
Front Hip room: 59.6 inches (1514mm)
Rear Hip room: 59.5 inches (1511mm)
Front legroom: 42.1 inches (1069mm)
Rear legroom: 38.6 inches (980mm)