ZG / P5 Ford Fairlane Spotters Guide

1972–1973 (Second generation)

November 1973 saw the next series of changes, to the ZG series Fairlane. The changes were mainly cosmetic, with a four horizontal bar grille and revised tail-light lenses and garnish panel. An anniversary model with a standard 302 was released in 1975, but otherwise the range stayed the same as the 1974 versions. The Fairlane based P5 series Ford LTD was released very late in the ZF model run in August 1973, three months prior to the ZG Fairlane. The LTD was only available as a four-door sedan, and the wheelbase was even longer than that of the Fairlane, itself a stretched Falcon. A luxury two-door coupé called the Ford Landau (also designated P5) was released at the same time. The Landau was based on the Australian Falcon Hardtop and therefore featured a 111-inch (2,800 mm) wheelbase as opposed to the 121-inch (3,100 mm) wheelbase of the LTD. Both models were notable for their concealed headlamps, which would be revealed when their vacuum-operated grille sections were retracted. The technology was similar to that found on an option offered on an earlier Ford Thunderbird. Standard equipment on both the LTD and the Landau included integrated air conditioning, automatic transmission, electric windows and a 351-cubic-inch (5.75 L) V8 engine.

As the P5 was released during the ZF model run, it retained many ZF components. For example, the main interior upgrade from the Fairlane ZF to ZG was the turn signal stalk. The ZF had the older style stalk with the high beam "dipper" switch on the floor. When the ZG Fairlane was released a big item was the new multi-function column stalk which incorporated the dipper switch and horn. The P5s however used the ZF style stalk and still had a "squeeze rim" horn similar to Falcon GTs of the era. Because the P6 LTD was not released until about five months after the ZH Fairlane, some of the last P5s actually had a few minor ZH parts fitted.