Highlights

Older restoration in silver which continues to present well
Interesting documented history with just three registered keepers
Always garaged until 2025
Recent work including new stainless steel exhaust, hoses and battery
Carburettor overhaul, new fuel pump and 12V conversion
Great stylish and simple starter classic

The Appeal

It’s a bullish name, but still an entirely apt one. Ford’s Popular sold well and today remains very appealing to those seeking a starter classic or custom car base. Its combination of rugged, simple mechanicals and distinctive ‘sit up and beg’ styling makes any Popular a great way to begin your classic journey.

Beyond those qualities, this pretty 1954 car has much to commend it. It is a three-keeper Popular, the first one, a barrister apparently bequeathing it to his neighbours in 1969. They then kept it until 2023. The car was restored in 1997 after a long period of storage, returning to the road in 1998. The silver metallic paintwork and red leather interior appear to date from that period and remain in good order with just typical light age associated with a 29-year-old restoration. The work included replacing the wooden floor, which are said to still be in good order.

Since the vendor acquired the vehicle in September 2023, it has received new hoses, carburettor overhaul, replacement fuel pump, stainless steel exhaust and a 12V electrics conversion. It also benefits from recently fitted headlining and new carpets. We’re told that it was fitted with electronic ignition by the previous keeper. It is said to start easily and run well.

Usefully for a classic of this age there is a recent MOT. It dates from September 2023 and shows no advisories. The car has covered little over 100 miles since the test. This is a really tidy, well-kept example of the sort of easy-to-own classic that does practicality and style effortlessly.

The vendor says:

“She’s not built for speed with only 3 gears but keeps up well on minor roads. Lots of waves and smiles and comments when parking smells like history inside very nostalgic.”

Key Information

Mileage: 76,589 miles (indicated as correct, not warranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, last MOT expired 27th September 2024 with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,172cc sidevalve four-cylinder petrol, three-speed manual
Paperwork: typed history summary, lots of invoices and paperwork as shown

The Detail

Attractive silver metallic car with red interior restored in 1997
Some age to note to bodywork and paintwork but not unsightly
New coolant hoses, refurbished the carburettor and fuel pump since 2023
New battery and stainless steel exhaust fitted
12-volt conversion and electronic ignition fitted by the previous owner
Approximately £300 spent annually by current keeper to maintain condition
Steel wheels with spare wheel included
Underside as shown with no structural advisories on September 2023 MOT
Red interior with matching seats and door cards all in good order
New carpet recently fitted
New wood floor fitted underneath with protective grease applied
Vendor reports the car starts first time on the button
Steering has some play noted at around 40 mph
The vendor states brakes and gaer changes operate well
Passenger door around the handle has had a repair and is described as flaky
Wings appear solid with one having a small dent
Vendor states that wings appear to have been resprayed at some point
Mild rust at the bottom of the body but remains solid
Vendor states that sills are solid
Non-intrusive indicators have been added and are described as easily removable
Headliner has been replaced with a small hole is present
Vendor describes the original seats as in nice condition for their age
Door panels described as in nice condition
All electrics reported as working, though the fuel gauge can occasionally flicker

BEFORE YOU BUY

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