| Ford Consul Classic | |
|---|---|
 Ford Consul Classic 4-door saloon | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Also called | Ford Consul 315 (export markets) |
| Production | 1961–1963 |
| Assembly | United Kingdom New Zealand |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size / Large family car (D) |
| Body style | 2-door saloon 4-door saloon |
| Related | Ford Consul Capri (335) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.3 or 1.5 L Straight-4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 99 in (2,515 mm) [1] |
| Length | 170.75 in (4,337 mm)[1] |
| Width | 65 in (1,651 mm) [1] |
| Height | 56 in (1,422 mm) [1] |
| Curb weight | 2070 pounds (940 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Prefect |
| Successor | Ford Corsair |
The Ford Consul Classic is a mid-sized car that was launched in May 1961[2] and built by Ford UK from 1961 to 1963. It was available in two or four door saloon form, in Standard or De Luxe versions, and with floor or column gearshift. The name Ford Consul 315 was used for export markets.[3] The Ford Consul Capri was a 2-door coupé version of the Classic, and was available from 1961 until 1964.
The 1,340 cc (82 cu in) four-cylinder pre-crossflow Kent engine was replaced in August 1962 by an over-square 1,498 cc (91.4 cu in) engine with a new five-bearing crankshaft and a new gearbox with synchromesh on all four forward ratios. Steering and suspension also received "greased for life" joints.[4]
It is sometimes referred to as the Ford 109E, though that was only one of four such codes utilized for the Consul Classic, as explained below. Obvious competitor models at the time included the Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle from Rootes Group.
- ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
Motor1961was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Ford Bring Out New Model. The Times, Friday, 19 May 1961; pg. 9; Issue 55085
- ^ The Consul Classic, www.oldclassiccar.co.uk Retrieved on 10 November 2014
- ^ More Power For Two Fords. The Times, Wednesday, 29 August 1962; pg. 5; Issue 55482