1961 Ford Consul Classic. Imperial Maroon with a white roof and grey upholstery. Looking remarkably like a big Ford Anglia or a miniature Ford Galaxie, the Consul Classic was designed in the late 1950s but did not enter production until 1961 because the Dagenham plant was still working flat-out to keep up with demand for the Anglia.
Initially available with a 1,340cc engine, this was soon upgraded to a 1,498cc Kent engine driving through a four-speed all-synchro gearbox. The car had front disc brakes with independent front suspension using Macpherson strut units and at the rear the live axle used semi elliptic leaf springs. A contemporary road tester was impressed, noting that "probably the most impressive thing about the Classic is its road holding". It also had an exceptionally large boot with a high-lift sprung lid that made it an ideal car for family holidays.
With a top speed just under 80mph and with 35mpg economy, it was a slow seller by Ford standards thanks to its controversial styling and just 111,000 were sold before it was replaced by the Corsair in 1963. Today only around 280 Consul Classics are thought to survive, very few of these being in four-door form, which makes this a rare car indeed.
Dating from 1961, this lovely Consul Classic must be one of the best ones left and looks extremely attractive in its Imperial Maroon paintwork with a white roof. The engine has been upgraded to a 1598cc which makes the car a lot more sprightly and very usable in modern traffic. The Ford has covered just 2,019 miles since 2009, the odometer currently showing some 54,165 miles.
Clearly well restored in the not-too-distant past, it has spent the last seven years in the Bob Empson Collection in Elsworth near Cambridge, Bob being the proprietor of Empson’s Garage, a family business in the town since 1919. In super condition throughout and sailing through its MOT in March with no advisories recorded, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a quirky family saloon from the Sixties, with distinctive American styling, that is ready to go and show. Absolutely any inspection is welcome. All major debit cards accepted. *Delivery is included throughout the U.K mainland*.