A number of signs to identify old Ford car (6)

I believe the answer is:

zodiac

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a number of signs' is the definition.
'zodiac' can be an answer for 'signs' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'a number of' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for zodiac that I've seen before include "Heavenly region" , "Band of sky much used by astrologists" , "Heavenly area" , "Star sign chart" , "Belt divided into signs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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