What is a Zephyr Ghia?

[Dean_T]

In the local Autotrader someone has a '79 Mercury Zephyr Ghia. Is that the Merc' version of the Fairmont ES?

It's a 4dr and V8 but they want $3495! Ouch!

Dean T

[Mustang Marty]

Yes, the Zephyr is the Merc version of the Fairmont. The Ghia is the luxury model; a trim level shared by both Ford and Merc.

[Dean_T]

Yes, yes. Specifically, was the Merc Zephyr Ghia comparable to the Fairmont ES (Euro Sport) option.

The Fairmont ES had goofy louvered vents in the C pillar, painted black below the belt line, I think some of the trim was blacked out, and specific interior color scheme.

I was wondering if Ghia was the Merc version or is just a luxury upgrade?

Dean T

[FoxChassis]

Here's an ad with an '80 Zephyr Ghia in it:

http://stuartscustoms.freeyellow.com/adverts/AD1980Zephyr.jpg

And here is a postcard with (I think) two '78 Zephyr Ghias:

http://stuartscustoms.freeyellow.com/postcards/PC78MZSedan.jpg

[LTDScott]

Ghia is the Italian design studio that designed a lot of Ford cars. But in the case of the Zephyr, I think it's just an option package with some upscale trim. Mustangs (even Mustang IIs) had a Ghia option and they had vinyl tops and cushy interiors. I don't think it's the Merc version of the Fairmont ES, but I may be incorrect.

[Marz]

The merc version of a Fairmont ES would have been an ES.

About a year or two ago I spoted a real nice one (aside from the masive roof damage) in the ecology yard. The thing looked as if the owners kept it up very well... untill something landed on the roof.