1954 Ford Consul

We are pleased to be offering for sale a 1954 Consul, quite the head-turner back in the day and even more so now. When did you last see one?

Our trader seller bought the car from its second owner, an elderly gentleman who had owned it for many a year. He was giving up driving and rather than see it sit around unused, he decided to part with it.

The car has clearly been well loved and at some point in its more recent history has been resprayed. The interior too has had money spent on it in places.

Our seller reports that the car runs and drives ok, especially after he had the carburettor rebuilt.

This is a car that could be used and enjoyed as it is or would perhaps benefit from some cosmetic attention here and there. Either way, there is fun to be had with this fine old Ford. 

Undoubtedly repainted at some point in its more recent life, from a distance the black paintwork looks quite smart. On closer inspection, there are some areas we should point out, all clearly visible in our extensive photographs.

The front offside wing sports a 50p sized area of bubbling paint and there is a scratch on the paint just below the right-hand side of the windscreen. The nearside front wing has some bubbling issues on the top part and a scratch lower down too.

There are rust spots on the rear wings too, near to the lights. Oh, and did we mention some bubbling to the paint on the door bottoms and leading edge of the bonnet?

All this sounds worse than it actually is but do feel free to come along and inspect the car in detail before making a generous bid.

The chromework, of which there is plenty, is a mixed bag. Mostly shiny, some is a tad pitted with age and could doubtless do with some improvement, replacement or at least replating.

Wheels look presentable and each is shod with a new looking Maxxis tyre. We always like to see modern matching tyres on a classic car, as it usually is indicative of careful and considered ownership.

A mixed bag! Let’s start with the positives. The headlining has been replaced and is in fair condition. The fitting around the rear window is poor.

The carpet set looks to have been installed not so long ago, though the fitting could be better. Some time with a glue gun would be in order.

The red door cards look to be original to the car and are showing their age in places and are coming adrift too.

How to describe the seats? Well, a mixture of the originals, with partial replacements. It is neither one thing nor the other…

We do rather like the patina of the originals and would be tempted perhaps to keep them, though purchasing some covers to improve comfort and preserve what is there. It’s going to be a personal choice.

The steering wheel is showing its age as is the oh-so-simple dash. You’ve a speedometer, and a couple of gauges. What more do you need?

The boot lid shows some signs of corrosion on the underside and the compartment itself is somewhat tired and grubby. There is a spare wheel with ageing tyre in place, so budget to replace. There is also a missing panel, which leaves the springs of the rear seat upright on display. Time to get busy with some MDF and some black vinyl perhaps.

For a 67-year-old car, the underside looks to be in better shape than you might think. Yes, there is some surface corrosion in places, but there are signs that plenty of underseal protection has been added over the years.

However, we would get it up on some ramps and after a good wire brushing, would get slapping that Waxoyl on once again.

The engine bay is clean enough, with signs that regular maintenance has most likely been the order of the day.

There is not a great deal we can tell you that has not already been said. Just two owners in the car’s life, quite unusual in itself.

The Consul has undoubtedly had money spent on it at various points, i.e a repaint and some interior retrimming.

Our seller had the carburettor fully rebuilt which seems to have cured the cars poor running. He also changed the oil and filter and fitted new spark plugs.

The DVLA website has no MoT details, so we suspect the car had been kept off the road for many years. As such, it is quite possible some recommissioning work may be required if the car is to be used once more on a regular basis.

This is a fantastic entry level classic car, crying out to be used and perhaps improved. Simple mechanics should be easy to deal with by a competent home DIYer.

We are told the car now runs well and drives. Our seller also tells us that it is not leaky either which is always a good thing.

There appears to be only minor rust in places, the seller stating that the floors and inner wings are fine.

We suggest that if the car interests that you come and give it the once over to see for yourself.

We estimate that the car will sell for between £6,000 and £10,000. It’s a rare car and one which we are sure many would be proud to own.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located in South East London and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’