What brand of car is the Zephyr?
The Zephyr is not a standalone car brand; it is a model name used by Ford across different markets, most notably for Lincoln Zephyr in the United States and Ford Zephyr in Britain.
Across automotive history, manufacturers have reused evocative names on different vehicles and markets. Zephyr stands as a classic example of a model label rather than a separate marque. This article explains where the Zephyr name has appeared and what it means today.
Historical uses of the Zephyr name
To understand Zephyr, it helps to note its two most prominent lineage tracks: Lincoln in the United States and Ford in the United Kingdom. The following points summarize the core uses.
Two main branches of the Zephyr name
Before listing the key models, here is a quick overview of the primary applications of the Zephyr label.
- Lincoln Zephyr — a mid- to late-1930s luxury model produced by Lincoln, Ford's U.S. luxury division, and a precursor to later Lincoln naming conventions.
- Ford Zephyr — a British-market large family sedan produced by Ford of Britain from the early 1950s through the early 1970s, often associated with Ford's mainstream lineup in the UK and linked to related models
These examples show that Zephyr has functioned as a model name rather than a brand identity. The name carried different styling and positioning depending on the market and era, tied to Ford's broader product family rather than to a stand-alone marque.
Is Zephyr used in modern car branding?
As of 2025, Zephyr does not function as a current, active car brand. It is primarily seen in historical contexts and among collectors. The name persists in discussions of vintage Lincoln and Ford Zephyr models and in classic-car auctions and retrospectives.
In popular culture and automotive history circles, the Zephyr label remains a symbol of mid-20th-century design and branding strategies within Ford and Lincoln, rather than a live product name in contemporary showrooms.
Summary
Zephyr is a model name—not a brand. The most notable uses are the Lincoln Zephyr in the United States and the Ford Zephyr in the United Kingdom. Today, the name is largely of historical interest and continues to resonate with collectors and historians studying Ford’s mid-century lineup.
How much is the 2025 Lincoln Zephyr?
Design is truly distinctive. The classic American front end with its wide-mouthed grill star spangled chrome grill. And LED headlights connected by a decorative strip is a sight to behold.
What kind of car was a Zephyr?
The first use of the Zephyr name was in 1936 with the Lincoln Zephyr, a smaller companion to the full-sized Lincoln sedan sold at the time, followed in the late 1970s with the Mercury Zephyr, an upscale version of the Ford Fairmont.
Who makes Zephyr cars?
The name "Zephyr" has been used on several cars made by different parts of the Ford Motor Company. The original Lincoln-Zephyr was produced by Lincoln from 1936–1942. The Ford Zephyr is an executive car that was built by Ford of Britain from 1950–1972. More recent versions have been made by Lincoln, including the Lincoln Zephyr (2006) and the Lincoln Z (originally called the Zephyr, 2022–present).
- Lincoln-Zephyr (1936–1942): This was a mid-size luxury car produced by Lincoln, a division of Ford. It was conceived by Edsel Ford and designed by Eugene Turenne Gregorie.
- Ford Zephyr (1950–1972): This was an executive car manufactured by Ford of Britain. It was the largest passenger car in the British Ford range for a time.
- Lincoln MKZ (2006): The Lincoln MKZ was sold as the Zephyr for its 2006 model year.
- Lincoln Z (2022–present): This modern sedan was originally known as the Zephyr and is produced by the Changan Ford joint venture for the Lincoln brand.
When did Lincoln stop making the Zephyr?
Overview. Production of all American cars was halted by the Government in 1942 as the country entered World War II, with Lincoln producing the last Lincoln Zephyr on February 10.
