1953 Ford Prefect *Sold £4,500*

Description

• Same ownership for 32 years
• Comprehensively overhauled
• Well looked after
• Good condition
• Converted to 12-volt electrics
• Comes with loads of spares

Countless numbers of drivers have cut their motoring teeth in a Ford Prefect. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Ford Prefects are coveted. They represent much more than an old classic car. They are a tangible connection to classic motoring of another era. We’re delighted to bring this one to market for first time in 32 years.

Background

• First registration 11th May 1953
• Only two former keepers
• Owned by our vendor since 1991
• Chassis number C717318

Outside

• Four doors
• Exterior hinges
• Pressed steel ‘Easy Clean’ wheels – Ford’s description, not ours
• Original centre caps
• Running boards
• Chrome bumpers with overriders
• Single front driving lamp
• Twin chrome wing mirrors

The Prefect is described by our vendor as having a “nut and bolt restoration”. Looking at the images in the Gallery, it does look like one of the best we’ve seen for a long while

Aside from the wonderful design, the first thing to strike you is that imposing front grille. All the other brightwork is in good condition.

Mechanicals

• Four cylinder in-line side valve engine
• 1,172cc
• Carburettor: Zenith downdraught
• 30.1bhp at 4,000rpm
• Max speed: 61.1mph
• Pressed steel body on ladder type chassis
• Rear wheel drive
• Three speed box
• Propshaft enclosed in torque tube
• Wheels: 16in bolt-on ‘easy clean’, ventilated pressed steel
• 5.00 x 16in wheels
• Girling mechanical 10in drums
• Worm & nut steering with two turns lock to lock
• Suspension Front & Rear: transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs
• Armstrong double acting dampers
• Price new in 1949: £412 16s 8d

As you’d expect of a classic that has been with the same vendor for over three decades, we’re told everything is as it should. The mechanicals of the post war Fords could not get any simpler. It is a testament to that simplicity and robustness that all this time later, the Prefect is still swanning about.

Our view

A proper, bona fide classic car and rather unique now. You are very unlikely to see one of these coming. If you do, it will almost certainly stir memories and a smile. If that is the case, imagine what it would be like to own and drive one? Well, now is your chance. This Ford Prefect is reserved extremely sensibly, so it will sell to one new very lucky owner.