Ford Consul Mark Ii 1956–1962

Motorpedia Ford Consul Mark Ii 1956–1962
Consul Mark Ii 1956–1962 Featured Image
Ford Consul Mark II
Ford Consul ca 1962.jpg
Ford Consul Mark II Saloon (circa 1962)
Overview
Production 1956–1962
371,585 fixed roof and 9398 convertibles produced
Body and chassis
Body style four-door saloon
four-door estate
two-door coupé utility (Australia only)
two-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine 1.7 L Straight-4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 104 in (2,642 mm)
Length 172 in (4,369 mm)
Width 69 in (1,753 mm)
Height 60 in (1,524 mm)
Curb weight 2,700 lb (1,225 kg)

In 1956, a new Consul appeared with the Ford code of 204E. The car was still the four-cylinder submodel of the Zephyr range, with which it shared the same basic body shell. Compared with the original, it had a longer wheelbase, larger 1703 cc, 59 bhp (44 kW) engine, and a complete restyle, borrowing cues from the 1956 models of America's Thunderbird and Fairlane. One thing not updated was the windscreen wipers, which were still vacuum-operated. The roof profile was lowered in 1959 on the Mk2 version, which also had redesigned rear lights and much of the external bright work in stainless steel. Front disc brakes with vacuum servo appeared as an option in 1960 and were made standard in 1961 (four-wheel drum brakes only, in Australia). The name became the Consul 375 in mid-1961.

The convertible version made by Carbodies continued. A De Luxe version with contrasting roof colour and higher equipment specification was added in 1957. The Australian market had factory-built versions of the coupé utility (pick up) and estate car (station wagon), as well as a locally engineered version of the saloon. They were also imported by Ford of Canada as a companion to the Falcon.

A Consul Mark II tested by The Motor in 1956 had a top speed of 79.3 mph (127.6 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 23.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.1 miles per imperial gallon (12.8 L/100 km; 18.4 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £781 including taxes. A 1960 Ford Consul Mark II was the taxi in which American singer Eddie Cochran died, and not, as many have stated, a London hackney cab.

  • Mark II Consul

  • Early Consul Mark II

  • Lowline Consul

  • Highline Consul

  • Later Consul Mark II

  • Ford Consul 375

  • Carbodies Consul

  • Convertible Consul

  • Consul Mark II Farnham Estate