Allan Ligget's Mk II Zephyr

My first encounter was with my neighbour�s 1956 pastel green Mk2. At the time I owned a Morris 1000 and we got talking and swapped cars. I did many miles in the MK2 as I worked in Balclutha and travelled to and from Timaru. Unfortunately it came to a sticky end. (I'll say no more!)

I went to Lang and Laycock and brought a newly painted MK3, but it was the shape of the MK2 that stayed with me, especially the last of them with all their chrome, the proper dash and tail lights.
It would be a long time before I would own a MK2 again. In 1996 I met Gordon Stocker in the clean up after the flood at Pleasant Point.

In 2002 Gordon offered to show me his collection of Ford Capris, because at the time I owned a 1969 Capri. But it was a red & white 1961 MK2 that took my eye. It had done 126000 miles & I couldn't believe it Gordon had just sold it! I'd never been this close to a MK2 in 30 years. Fortunately after many phone calls and the powers of persuasion I became it's new owner.
The MK2 had been parked up for 16 years. When we picked her up we tried to tow start her with a tractor - no brakes, milk bottle fuel tank, bonnet wide open and back wheels skidding, but no joy.
The trip to Timaru was memorable as in the 1970's when I owned my first MK2 there was a song out by Lobo called 'Me & you & a dog named boo"', with a little rearranging it became 'Me & you & the old MK2' and there it was playing on the radio - what a wonderful feeling. Another detail worth noting was she was first registered on my birthday 27/09/61.

Once home I tried the key start and she burst into life - the first time for 16 years and it sounded real good. For the next 3 years I got to know my dream car inside and out. Other than the motor and having some mechanical knowledge I repaired and replaced a number of parts. I stayed with it's original colour red and white and left the interior which was still in good condition. The big day came - the first WOF for 19 years and she flew through!.
We've done 4000 miles and have been on many zephyr runs including the Southern Connection in Balclutha.
Thanks to SCZZEC members who have helped me in many ways with parts and advice.