1979 Mercury Zephyr

Little changed for the Mercury Zephyr's appearance for 1979, the second year for the model. Mechanically, however, several significant changes were made. The four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive was now standard for the 200 cubic-inch V6 engines and the 302 V8 engines. The 302 V8 fitted with the SelectShift was given a new rear axle ratio, now at 2.26:1.

The list of options expanded to include speed control, performance instruments, electric trunk lid release, and title steering.

The Zephyr was available with a four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engine. The base engine produced 88 horsepower and had 118 foot-pounds of torque. Moving up from there was a six-cylinder unit that offered 85 horsepower and 154 ft-lbs of torque. A V8 engine was also available, boosting horsepower to 140. The four-cylinder models had a front bucket seat, and a bench seat was used on the six and V8s.

The Zephyr was available in two- and four-door body styles, including sedan, station wagon, and the Z-7 Sport Coupe. The Station Wagon body style was the most expensive, selling for just over $4300. Next was the Z-7 Sport Coupe which was $4120. The Two-Door Sedan was the least expensive, selling for $3870. The Z-7 Sport Coupe proved to be the most popular, with 42,923 examples produced. 24,218 examples of the station wagon were produced for this year.

The Z-7 sport coupe had tinted rear window glass, full-length vinyl-insert bodyside molding, bright window frames, special hood and body side tape stripes, large wraparound taillamps, and pleated vinyl seat trim. The wagon body styles had a cargo area light and a tinted liftgate glass. The Villager wagons added wood-tone-insert bright surround moldings, and wood-tone bodyside and tailgate appliques in medium cherry color. The ES trim level included black window frames and rear window ventilation louvers, black lower back panel, full-length bright lower bodyside molding, gray engine-turned instrument panel and cluster appliques, and styled wheel covers with unique treatment. The ES did away with the usual paint stripes, wheel lip and rocker panel moldings, and hood ornamentation. Additional amenities included the bumper protection group, blackout grille treatment, a handling suspension, and dual black mirrors with the driver's side being remote controlled.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008