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Curated Auction

1955 Ford Consul MK1

At a Glance

4.5 Years Owned | Three-Speed Column Change | Usable Classic | Low Reserve

  • Mileage~86,085 on Clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.7-Litre
  • LocationCrowland, Peterborough

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Ashley Dawson
Professional Consigner

A wonderfully characterful Ford Consul Mk1 that drives remarkably well for a car built more than 70 years ago.

First introduced in 1951, the Consul represented a major technological step forward for Ford in Britain. It was the company’s first all-new post-war model and introduced unitary construction, 1.7-litre engine, hydraulic brakes, a hydraulic clutch and independent front suspension.

The Consul was the four-cylinder member of Ford’s new model range, sitting alongside the larger six-cylinder Zephyr. Its comfortable bench seating, column-mounted gear change and comparatively modern styling made it an appealing family saloon during the early 1950s.

This 1955 example comes from almost four and a half years with our vendor and is presented in an attractive two-tone combination of black over cream, complemented by a burgundy interior and body-coloured steel wheels with chrome hubcaps.

Power comes from a 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a three-speed manual gearbox operated through a column-mounted gear selector.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Terry the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I’ve owned the Consul for around four or five years and have enjoyed having something so different from a modern car.

Terry has owned the Ford for approximately four and a half years and during that time, he has enjoyed the wonderfully different experience offered by a genuine 1950s family saloon.

The front bench seat, column-mounted gear change and simple dashboard all contribute to a car that feels far removed from modern motoring.

Although the Consul is approaching its eighth decade, Terry reports that it remains extremely usable.

Terry has now found that his interest in the Consul has diminished, and he would rather see it pass to another enthusiast who will continue to use and enjoy it.

Terry would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section, he is away on holiday from the 2nd of October until the 10th so collection of the car will be after this.

Terry
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The black and cream two-tone finish gives the Consul tremendous period character and complements its rounded 1950s styling particularly well.

Wheels and Tyres

The Ford is fitted with cream-painted steel wheels, accompanied by chrome Ford hubcaps.

The wheels retain the simple and understated appearance appropriate for the car. Some light corrosion and age-related marks are visible upon closer inspection.

The chrome hubcaps also display some light pitting, consistent with the condition of the remaining exterior brightwork. These imperfections are noticeable at close range but do not detract significantly from the Consul’s overall appearance.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The four-door saloon body appears straight and presents well overall.

We did not notice any significant dents during our visit, while the shut lines around the bonnet, doors and boot appear consistent. The doors also provide excellent access to the spacious front and rear bench seats.

The Consul’s rounded wings, upright grille, compact rear fins and generous glass area create a shape that is unmistakably from the 1950s.

Although the structure appears reassuring, the exterior naturally displays cosmetic signs of its age. These are primarily associated with the paint finish rather than any obvious damage to the panels.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The two-tone paintwork consists of a black upper section over a contrasting cream lower body.

The combination suits the Consul particularly well and helps emphasise the chrome strip separating the two colours. The finish continues to retain a good level of gloss and presents attractively when the car is viewed as a whole.

Upon closer inspection, however, the paint is beginning to show its age. Light blistering can be seen in several areas, along with chips, scratches and other marks across much of the body.

These imperfections are consistent with an older paint finish on a regularly enjoyed classic. The paint is not presented as concours, but its remaining gloss and attractive two-tone colour scheme give the Ford a pleasing and honest appearance.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The generous exterior brightwork is an important part of the Consul’s appearance.

Chrome detailing features across the prominent front grille, bumpers, headlamp surrounds, door handles, side mouldings, window surrounds and rear trim.

The chrome presents reasonably well overall but displays some light pitting and other age-related deterioration. This is most apparent when viewed closely and is consistent with the condition of an unrestored or older-finished classic.

The exterior glass appears clear overall, while the light units, lenses, mirrors and badges appear complete and presentable.

A pair of additional driving lamps is fitted at the front, adding further character to the car’s distinctive grille and chrome bumper arrangement.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The burgundy cabin is wonderfully simple and retains the spacious bench seating and straightforward controls associated with a mid-1950s family saloon.

Seats and Carpets

Full-width bench seats are fitted at the front and rear, allowing the interior to feel exceptionally spacious.

The burgundy upholstery presents reasonably well overall and displays the creasing and gently aged appearance expected from a car of this period.

There is a very noticeable repair patch on the driver’s side of the front bench seat. This is the principal cosmetic imperfection within the cabin.

The remainder of the seating remains usable and generally presentable. The rear bench appears particularly inviting and provides generous accommodation for passengers.

Burgundy door cards and carpeting continue the colour scheme throughout the cabin. These display some ordinary signs of age and use but remain in keeping with the Ford’s honest overall presentation

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The dashboard reflects the simple and functional approach to interior design found throughout the Consul.

A distinctive horizontal speedometer is mounted ahead of the driver, combining the main road-speed display with the odometer and warning information. The odometer indicated approximately 86,085 miles during our visit.

The dashboard is finished in a contrasting light colour, with the heating and ventilation controls positioned centrally beneath it. A useful parcel shelf extends across the cabin.

A period-style radio is fitted but is not currently working.

The horn is also inoperative and will require attention from the next owner.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The large two-spoke steering wheel is typical of the period and suits the simple character of the cabin.

The three-speed manual gearbox is operated through a selector mounted on the steering column. This arrangement leaves the floor clear and allows the full width of the front bench seat to be used.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Straightforward engineering is central to the appeal of the Consul, making it an approachable and usable example of a 1950s British family car.

Engine and Gearbox

The Ford is powered by a 1.7-litre engine from the Mk2.

The engine started first time during our visit and settled into a steady idle. It ran well and provided the relaxed performance expected from a family saloon of this period.

The engine bay has an honest, usable appearance rather than a highly detailed show finish. The main components remain readily accessible, reflecting the relative simplicity of the car’s mechanical design.

Terry still has the original 1,503cc engine, which is included in the sale.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox with a column-mounted selector.

The gearbox operated smoothly during our drive and produced no unwanted noises. The clutch also performed well, making the car straightforward to operate once familiar with the column-change arrangement.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the engine starting and running and to see the Ford being driven.

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Suspension and Brakes

The Consul was advanced for a British Ford of its period, benefiting from independent front suspension and hydraulic braking.

Terry reports that the suspension is in excellent working order. During our journey, the car felt comfortable and composed, providing the soft and compliant ride expected from a 1950s family saloon.

No specific suspension knocks, rattles or other concerning noises were reported during our visit.

The steering also felt good and remained consistent once the car was moving. Its large steering wheel provides the leverage required when manoeuvring without power assistance.

Hydraulic drum brakes are fitted at all four corners. These performed well during our drive and brought the car to a stop without any obvious pulling or unwanted vibration.

Overall, the steering, suspension and braking systems contributed to the impression of a mechanically usable and enjoyable classic.

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The Drive

The Ford Consul offers a wonderfully relaxed driving experience that feels completely removed from that of a modern car.

The elevated seating position, large steering wheel, full-width front bench and view across the rounded bonnet immediately establish its 1950s character.

The 1.7-litre engine started readily and ran well during our visit. Performance is naturally modest by modern standards, but the engine feels well suited to the car and allows it to make comfortable progress.

Once familiar with the column-mounted gear selector, the three-speed transmission is straightforward and enjoyable to operate. Gear changes were smooth, the clutch engaged cleanly and no unwanted noises were heard.

The suspension delivered a comfortable and settled ride, while the steering and brakes performed without concern.

Terry’s description of the Consul as driving extremely well for a car built in 1955 feels entirely appropriate. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, comfort and the sense of occasion it provides at sensible road speeds.

This is a classic that can be driven and enjoyed in its present condition rather than needing to be reserved solely for static display.

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Electrics and Other

The Consul’s electrical system is refreshingly straightforward, operating the exterior lighting, windscreen wipers, instrumentation and other essential equipment.

Three known items require attention.

The fitted period-style radio is not currently working.

The horn is also inoperative and will need to be repaired.

The front spot lights require connecting.

No other specific electrical concerns were reported during our visit.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

The Ford is not accompanied by an extensive collection of historical records or maintenance invoices.

Only a limited amount of paperwork is available, meaning that its earlier servicing, ownership and restoration history cannot be documented in detail.

Prospective buyers should base their assessment on the car’s current condition, the extensive photographic gallery, the accompanying videos and any available documents shown within the paperwork section.

Terry has owned the Ford for approximately four or five years but is now selling because his interest in the vehicle has diminished.

Despite its limited history and cosmetic imperfections, this remains a solid and highly usable classic. It offers an appealing opportunity to experience genuine 1950s motoring through a car that is mechanically straightforward, comfortable and full of period character.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check, this check brought back that a scrap marker has been recorded against the VIN, we contacted HPI about this and they confirmed this was not related to the Consul as it has a short VIN number which is not unique, the scrap market is against a SYM JET (scooter) 05/08/2008.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
07/06/2011 MOT 85,283
07/06/2010 MOT 85,243
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Key Details
  • Model Consul MK1
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01/10/1955
  • CC 1.7-litre
  • Mileage ~86,085 on the clock
  • Colour Black / White
  • Interior Colour Red
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 207990
  • Engine # 207990
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 7
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Sale Type private
  • Owned ~4 years, 4 months
  • Key Feature Low Reserve
  • Vehicle Registration RYH 311
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Saloon
  • Auction ID 3996
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Crowland, Peterborough

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    1955 Ford Consul MK1
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Consul like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Crowland, Peterborough

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