The Ford Consul was the base model of Fords large British cars that replaced the V8 Pilot and included the Zodiak and Zephyr 6 models.

The Consul included a host of modern features that included unitary monocoque body shell, and independent front MacPherson strut suspension, hydraulic clutch and hydraulic brakes on all four 13″ wheels and a curved one piece windscreen that reduced glare from on coming traffic.

Inside the stylish George Walker designed body was a three speed column shift and full width bench seats front and rear that were trimmed in the latest easy to clean PVC.

Three body styles were available for the original consul saloon / sedan, convertible with manually operated roof contracted out to Carbodies in Coventry and Estate / Wagon contracted out to Abbots in Farnham.

With a top speed of 72 mph and a rest to 60 mph time of 28 seconds the 1.5 / 91.5 cui 4 cylinder Consul Mk1 first seen in October 1950 remained in production until 1956, the example seen here at the The Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon was first registered on the 19th of March 1953 and is shown as having a 1.7 litre engine fitted which probably came from a later Mk2 Consul.

Thanks for joining me on this “Trimmed in PVC” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !