Ford’s MKI Consul (along with the Zephyr and Zodiac) was revolutionary and pushed the boundaries of technical innovation during the 1950’s.
It was billed (and badged) as a five-star car due to the five major developments that accompanied the monocoque body - a new overhead-valve engine, independent front suspension, 12-volt electrics and hydraulic clutch and brakes.
These automotive advances helped to make these popular family cars some of the most stylish and practical to come out of the Dagenham factory.
This lovely ’50’s saloon was first registered on the 28th June 1955.
The first lady owner cherished her Consul, and interestingly, kept a comprehensive diary of maintenance carried out from April 1961 through to September 1997. Sadly she passed away and left it to her mechanic in her will, he then subsequently sold it to Milestone Classics.
The current owner purchased it from Milestone Classics, Billingshurst, in May 2015 and has enjoyed days out at local car shows and events during the summer months - his pride and joy has won a few accolades too!
He will be sad to see it go, but health problems now limit his ability to continue maintaining and driving it.
The all important V5 is present, and although the last MOT expired in November 2020 at 50,801 miles, online records indicate 12 passes back to 2006 when the mileage was just 43,043 miles. The current exempt tax runs until the 1st May 2022.
In addition to the aforementioned service history diary, an original Ford Consul instruction book, Autopress and Haynes workshop manuals, some older MOT certificates and parts invoices accompany this Consul.BV35DI1h5DaMUJL6wKAkTiDc4mRwqADlCo84qMdh.jpeg559.31 KB
THE INTERIOR
Original undamaged condition
Electrical equipment and switchgear in good order
Sumptuous leather upholstery
The wonderfully simple and minimal design of the interior is very well made and clearly built to last. The condition of this highly original interior is fantastic, especially considering it has never been fully re-trimmed (with the exception of fairly new carpeting).
The original steering wheel and indicator switch is pure ’50’s, and along with the painted metal dash, is in great condition. The owner informs us that the speedo, fuel gauge and ammeter function as they should as do all the switches and the vacuum wipers.
The red leather-grain door cards and chrome handles are good and the leather seats are great with minimal wear confined to the drivers side of the front bench. The original roof lining is also exceptional.
Moving to the rear and the owner has fitted a high-level brake light bar in the rear window and upon opening the rust-free boot lid we find a carpeted tidy boot containing a nicely painted spare wheel and whitewall tyre. A tool kit is also included.iBLQRdzPN9dp2frDjevBSgpzR6mbvhfDHIOV1UDu.jpeg371.5 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Very presentable Dorchester Grey paintwork
Good chrome work
Reportedly always garaged and never welded
Resplendent in its original period Dorchester Grey paintwork, the relatively thick steel of this Ford Consul has survived extremely well. The owner assures us that it has never been welded although he did have the lower half repainted a few years ago.
The vulnerable areas such as the seam lines, door bottoms, wheel arches and sills appear sound and, although not concours, this presentable body looks generally ding and scratch-free with just a few minor touched-in areas.
The glass and lights are fine and the chrome trim and bumpers are lovely and shiny. New front and rear screen rubbers were fitted in 2013.
The owner has added some period bling in the form of a sun visor, wing portholes, side reflectors and five stars to the boot lid. New rear indicators and front repeaters were installed in 2020. Note that some of the badges and awards seen in the photos will be removed before the sale.
The underside is described as excellent, is well undersealed, and appears solid in all the crucial places such as the jacking points and rear spring attachment points.
Lastly, the matching painted steel wheels look damage-free, and although the original hub-caps may benefit from a refurbishment, they are fine. The whitewall tyres were purchased from North Hants Tyres in 2015 and have plenty of tread remaining. nNlWPSugisITBbaebAzhuPygc1rvUYWk6tjtH3N0.jpeg575.09 KB
THE MECHANICS
Reliable low mileage engine
Service history
Sympathetic upgrades
The clean engine bay is a step back in time and looks very original and honest. The Ford 1508cc 4-cylinder engine develops around 48bhp and is said to fire up and run “very well”. It is mated to a competent 3-speed column change gearbox.
Continuing in the footsteps of the previous owners, the current custodian has clearly maintained and sympathetically upgraded this classic saloon during his 7 year ownership. This has included:
An unleaded head conversion
A new clutch in 2017
A new alternator (the original dynamo will come with the car)
This rare and very low mileage MKI Ford Consul is packed full of character and is in amazing ‘time-warp’ condition. With a reasonable turn of speed and space for all the family, this lovable classic is the perfect companion for days out.
The current owner concludes “my Consul is a beautiful example for the year” and is “a pleasure to drive”.
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