How often can you say that a car is totally original? Well, this one is. It was imported into the UK from Australia in 2021 and according to the last owner has never been welded or restored. That black shiny paint is the same paint that was applied in 1956 although there must have been the occasional ding to repair over the 67 years.

Becoming scarce and even more so in such original condition. Lots of delightful design cues from our American friends give this car that iconic 50s feel. Lots of chrome embellishments, bench seats, column change and white-walled tyres. They certainly don’t make them like this anymore.

Imported into the UK in 2021, this car appears to have covered just 74,000 miles, although this can’t be verified. However, looking at the amount of wear to the interior and general external condition, it is quite possible. The only thing that has required work has been the engine. It was allowed to overheat and become damaged on arrival in the UK.

This necessitated having the engine rebuilt by the new owner.

Very little is known of the car’s life in Australia but it would be reasonable to assume that it has had a charmed life and has been cosseted. The dry atmosphere has been a major factor in keeping the rigours of corrosion at bay resulting in what appears to be an extremely original example.

The interior is in good order and appears just as the factory intended. The large bench seat in the front shows some natural wear but has no burns or tears. The switchgear wasn’t tested but all are present. Two modern gauges have been fitted at some time and an 80s Cassette radio has been loosely added. 

These can be easily removed should the next owner insist on a completely original appearance. The large steering wheel is a delight and has the typical American-style horn ring. The headlining is in very good order and still fits well and is also free from unwanted tears and stains. The boot still contains the factory carpet which although stained in places, is emblazoned with the Ford logo.

The coachwork appears to be original and in good condition with only a few minor imperfections. The factory chrome is still in place and has a natural level of patina. The doors close reassuringly well and all the lighting is intact.

The boot has the original factory carpet, which is a little worse for wear but is still serviceable and an interesting feature as it retains the original Ford logos. There’s a charming sunshade over the windscreen and to complete the American look, there’s a set of white-walled tyres wrapped around the brightly hub-capped wheels.

All the mechanical aspects of this vehicle are just as Ford had intended. There are no upgrades or modern options. The engine has been rebuilt and performs well. It ticks over smoothly and responds eagerly to a push of the throttle. The column gearshift is effective and surprisingly easy to operate and gives a proper analogue old-school feel to the driving experience.

The clutch is both light and positive in operation but the brakes need a slightly heftier push. The steering is quite heavy when manoeuvring but this is to be expected from a vehicle of this vintage, although the large steering wheel is just delightful with its central direction indicator switch. 

There are approximately 50 of these lovely machines left on our roads if ‘How Many Left’ is anything to go by. That said, I’m pretty sure that there won't be many of that number in as seemingly original condition as this beauty. The climate in South Australia has aided in its survival and preserved it ready for a new owner to enjoy. 

The American cues are prevalent in this model as they would have been for many cars of the 50s era, chrome, Windscreen Sunshade, recessed aerial, bench seats and obligatory white-walled tyres combine to make for a lovely look back at the halcyon days of care-free 50s motoring. There is very little for a new owner to do other than just sit back and enjoy this time capsule from another time.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.