Ford Consul Convertible MkI

1955 Ford Consul Convertible MkI, registration number PLE 999

Key facts

  • Year

    1955

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    1,508cc

  • Cylinders

    In-line 4

  • Valves

    Overhead

  • Output

    47hp @ 4,400rpm

  • Performance

    72mph, 0-60mph 28 seconds

  • Price new

    £809

  • Owner

    National Motor Museum Trust

  • Manufacturer

    Ford Motor Co. Ltd

The Consul was a revolutionary car for Ford when launched in 1951. Along with the related six-cylinder Zephyr it formed the so-called Five Star range and was Ford’s first all-new car for the UK market following the Second World War. It was the first UK Ford with unitary construction, overhead valve engine, hydraulic brakes, hydraulic clutch, 12-volt electrics and independent front suspension. Other ‘modern’ features included the body styling, bench front seat and column gear change.

The standard Ford Consul was a four-door saloon but this was joined by the two-door convertible in 1953, with a body built by Carbodies of Coventry. An estate version by Abbott of Farnham was also available. The Consul proved popular, with 231,481 being built before the larger MkII Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac range was introduced in 1956.

The Consul represents quite remarkable value

The Motor
25 March 1953

View more

Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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