Lot 050: 1958 FORD CONSUL MKII CONVERTIBLE

The work of in-house stylist Colin Neale, the Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac MKIIs were modestly referred to by Ford as 'The Three Graces'. Debuting in February 1956, the trio remained faithful to their predecessors by employing monocoque bodyshells, McPherson strut independent front suspension and Girling hydraulic drum brakes. More compact than its siblings, the Consul MKII was powered by a 1703cc OHV four-cylinder engine allied to three-speed manual transmission (complete with steering column-mounted gearchange). Claiming a respectable 59bhp and 92lbft of torque, the model was reputedly capable of 79mph and 22mpg. Although, the vast majority were supplied as four-door saloons the Consul MKII could also be had in Estate and Convertible guises. Re-engineered by Carbodies of Coventry, the latter variant featured a specially reinforced floorpan and optional power hood. With an 'egg crate' grille, hooded headlamps and straight-through wing line, the two-door drophead bore a definite resemblance to its Thunderbird cousin. A spacious and tolerably refined boulevardier, the Consul MKII remained in production until 1962 by which time some 9,398 are thought to have been sold (though, today survivors are comparatively few and far between). Finished in Pale Yellow with beige vinyl upholstery, this particular example has reportedly spent much of its life stored away. Although, not currently registered with DVLA Swansea, the vendor believes the Ford to be "a one owner car". Though, requiring recommissioning like the rest of the vehicle, the engine is said to be free. Showing an unwarranted 43,000 miles on its odometer, this nostalgia inducing Consul MKII Convertible is offered for sale with "original buff logbook" and "tonneau covers".