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If there is one car that stands out from the crowd it has to be the Ford Consul Mk,1, it really did change the face of motoring, it was fresh,though one would have thought it had just come across the Atlantic rather than from across town in Dagenham. George Walker a designer from Ford USA has been said to have been the person responsible.
Another strange fact was that in the late forties people either loved Fords or they hated them, perhaps it was the sit and beg Anglia and Prefect, the Consul changed peoples views of Ford, though not part of this there was also the Zephyr and the Zodiac, we were just throwing off the shackles of war and there were these three opulent models sitting in the local showroom.
The trio were ground breaking models with monocoque bodies which did away with a separate chassis, the passenger’s benefited from sitting between the axles which improved considerably the handling.
The first time for Ford, Earle Macpherson struts incorporating coil spring damper and suspension upright as one unit, okay Ford did not fit Disc brakes but hydraulic braking was applied to all four wheels.
Oversquare four cylinder engine made the most of relaxed taxation rules for the Consul.
Technically there was never a Mk1 Consul, it became so after production ceased and the Mk2 arrived, which we will deal with later.
Our Mk1 arrived on 2 January 1951, without a heater, that was extra, a 3 speed column change with syncro on 2nd and top, but the really brill thing was the front bench seat.
Half of Dagenham’s production was exported, which is not bad considering nearly a million of the combined models were made, naturally for unknown reasons Ford stuck to the ridiculous Vacuum operated windscreen wipers, there was an umbrella handbrake under the dashboard the later was minimal with speedo, battery charging and Fuel gauges.
At the back one got leaf spring suspension with a live axle.
There was a couple of specialized builders, Abotts of Farnham produced an estate version and Crayford a convertible. The official one was from Carbodies
Technical info, 1508cc engine, 4 cylinder producing 47bhp, the Consul was tested at 72 mph and could do the 0-60 in something like 28seconds, petrol consumption was around 26 to the gallon, I love this and a gallon cost about the equivalent of 20cent, yep a whole gallon.
You probably can get most spares though belonging to a dedicated Ford Club, would make life easier, there is given the age of the Consul quite an active buy and sell market, it is only a humble Ford but they do not come cheap, once again there is no great chorus shouting RUST, RUST.
In October 1953 all cars received restyled bright work with interior and equipment improvements, February 1956 saw the end of the line for the Mk1.
Before plunging into the Mk11, having been looking through the Ford Car Clubs there is not too much for the Mk1, the Mk11 does considerably better, as for sales and wanted, the answer is YES. Yes, these cars seem to be well and truly loved, spares for MK11 sites suggest not a problem, as a lover of Classic Cars I am thrilled.
Well the Mk11 arrived in 1956, how Dagenham coped with all the changes it must have been a challenge, if you look at the Mk11 it is an unadulterated copy of transatlantic models, actually the thunderbird and the fairlane it even managed to make the Mk1 somewhat old fashioned.
There is a story, well in 1956 I could be found hitch hiking on the A40 between Wales and London, One thing there wasn’t much money around doing National Service, and Ted would try to get home as much as possible, well the other side of Cheltenham what should pull up was a brand new Mk11 Consul, which took me as far as Tetsworth, the man had just picked it up from the dealers, pity I couldn’t afford a camera in those days.
The Mk11 had a shelf life of 6 years, the Consul range was uncomplicated, one got this transatlantic copy which it must be said tended to have a waggly tail which probably gave some interesting drives.
The power was up, to 1703cc though it was the old Mk1 engine bored out, braking improved, well by 1961 front discs were standard with a vacuum servo, and a better spec, after a short time the roof line was lowered which made the car even more desirable, one even got two tone paint jobs, just in case you thought I had forgotten them there was also a Zephyr and a Zodiac version. The three cars were known as the Three Graces.
To launch the Mk11 Ford hired Tottenham Hotspurs ground in White Hart Lane, can’t imagine the place was packed out, but that would depend on the number of “others” that came with the dealer’s, apparently it was a successful launch.
Suspension was no different to the Mk1 and the gearbox was the same three speed column change with syncro on second and top, there is one slight niggle, Ford have obviously spent a few millions developing what is a smart modern car but whoever could not manage to junk the vacuum windscreen wipers, lets not dwell on such things.
Top speed was now 79 to 80 mph and you could enthusiastically get to 60 mph from zero in 23 seconds and petrol disappeared at the rate of 22 mpg
There was of course an Estate version and a Carbodies convertible, which was quite popular.
There are a good number of clubs catering for the Consul, well also Zephyr and Zodiac plus an independent club, there is so much you would need to go surfing. I actually saw door panels at one site
You may wonder why I manage to give details of these clubs, well whilst we have a friendly helpful committee and club member’s the one thing we do not have is enough cars for these specialized one make clubs to flourish, and of course trying to get spares in Ireland can be difficult, so it makes sense to join a UK club for the benefits and of course the buying and selling of your chosen model. However you will not find another club like KMC
Have a look at this site if you can www.fivestars.co.uk
I was informed that one should remember to salute our Chairman’s Dagenham made Anglia if it passes by.
Ted Lay tedlay@gmail.com
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The all Ireland Diecast Model show. To be held in Mitchelstown in the COOLANAVNE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE on 23rd and 24th of October. There will be a large selection of agri, plant and lorry diecast Dioramas.
So far there will be over 80 displays including 44 farm 25 construction 6 car and 8 train displays along with lots of traders
If you have any questions in relation to the show contact Kevin on 0868359790
www.modelmania.ie
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The Twelve Pins Motor Challenge will begin at 11.30am on the 23rd of October, in Spiddal. Check-in is between 10am and 11am at ‘An Tobar’. If you have paid the event fee,through our secure facility(Paypal) via our on-line Web Store, you will receive your first clue on arrival and this will guide you to the next clue, and so on as you navigate through some of the best driving roads in Connemara. You can pay the event fee on the day but it may erode the time you have to figure out the first clue.
The clues might be anagrams of place names, they might be related to a famous event which happened at a certain location or for the dedicated puzzle-lovers, perhaps a cryptic clue or two.
If you have followed the clues correctly, you will arrive back in Spiddal in time for an evening of entertainment with prize-giving and spot prizes. As this event is happening the week before Halloween, we have decided to add a novel twist. There will be a prize for the Best Dressed Car and Fancy Dress Costume (human of course).Come as you are or come dressed up ,all are welcome.
LOTS MORE INFO ON THE WEBSITE www.motorchallengeireland .com OR FIND IT ON OUR “LINKS LIST”
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“BOOKED FOR NO TASTE”
OUR CLASSICS ARE ALWAYS ATTRACTING ATTENTION SO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE RELEVANT PAPER WORK ON THE WINDSCREEN AND WHERE YOU PARK IT IS IN A SAFE AND PROPER PLACE……
MAYBE BECAUSE IT’S A FORD!!!!!
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It is not often I start an article with such enthusiasm as for our car today, whether it was built during what is known as the Golden Era of motoring or not, it is one to try and get your hands on.
Strangely though just over 8000 were built in a 5 year period there are some splendid examples to be had, naturally they are not being given away but equally the model of your choice is not going to suddenly disappear after a short while, even for English or Irish cars rust does not seem to be a problem, just to make sure you are reading it right, rust is not a problem.
Spares apparently are not difficult to come by but body panels are, a lack of donor vehicles perhaps. Before you jump out of the chair waving your cheque book around, perhaps and shouting let me get one it might be a good idea to tell you the car, “The MG Y saloon”.
Yes it is a product of the pre-war era in as much as it was conceived during 1937 and intended to be shown at the 1940 motor show, however as we know it was not to be, so the little car was put away until the end of hostilities as Abingdon and Cowley were busy building planes and things.
The design was the work of two men one being Gerald Palmer and the other Jack Daniels, hold on, not the one from Tennessee just in case. Alec Issigonis and Syd Enever worked on the Y
Based primarily on the Morris 8 series 4the Y was endowed with a 1.250 litre engine, not exactly making speed earth shattering, but there again this super little car was not built as a trail blazing edition to the range, but what it became was a very typical English gentleman’s carriage, endowed with leather faced seats, steel sunroof and a front opening windscreen, though we had the later on our little flying Standard, Burr Walnut wood facings were built in, it was described as a small Jaguar, you even got a telescopic steering column and Smiths Jackall 4 wheel hydraulic jacking system.
A little controversial rear window blind, I say that because some say it was there for privacy and other’s that it stopped the glare from following headlights.
As a teenager depending where it was parked I would have gone for privacy, I am sure we had one in the “Jag”, more of that another time.
Though from certain angles the “Y” did have a certain similarity to the post war Jaguars and to some extent Rovers.
Technically you had Rack and Pinion steering, the engine was a 4 cylinder 1250cc motor designated XPAG, valves overhead pushrod with a compression ratio of 7:2:1 giving 46 bhp, coupled to this was a single SU IW carb.
7 Inch Borg and Beck dry clutch, single plate, a 4 speed gearbox with syncro on 2, 3 and 4th gears, no mention of overdrive availability, the suspension at the front, independent coil with wishbone and at the rear end Half elliptic springs, shock absorbers Girling Luvax piston type and to stop Lockheed 9 inch drums back and front.
This baby is no light weight so the 0-60 time of 29. Something is reasonable with somewhere around 27 miles per gallon.
I will throw it in for what it is worth, I actually nearly had one of these, the purchase was all set up and then the guy changed his mind at the last minute, that change of mind could have changed my whole motoring life, any way Bill’s Y carried the familiar MG number plate UMG and it was black with brown leather.
The chassis was sort of unique a welded box section and underslung at the rear with leaf springing. The chassis was used in future models.
There is a very active MG Owners Club, though not in the same league as KMC they have useful contacts for hard to find parts, one intriguing section is the lost and found, were members are looking for past cars or have documentation regarding a often much loved vehicle, one of the problems with exported cars like to Ireland the trail stops, so if you have an MG it might be in your interest to look the site up, or perhaps to forge links we could send a list of UK registrations to the site.
Well you must admit it is a very happy Ted delighted we have at least one very special car.
Ted Lay tedlay@gmail.com
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SADLY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS AND FOUNDER MEMBERS OF THE ORIGINAL KILKENNY MOTOR CLUB HAS PASSED AWAY, Dr Gar O Brien .
THE LATE Dr Gar O Brien MAY HE REST IN PEACE
TAKEN IN FENAGH LAST YEAR
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Wyn Mathias wrote:
Hi, i just wanted to see if you could include myself under your links section.
I am self employed working from home in Templeorum, South Kilkenny. I have been welding cars for 27 years and love the corrosion repair jobs all garages hate!
I cover all mild steel welding from NCT work on modern cars to restoration on classics, as well as safety work on competition vehicles. I have been the area’s best kept car welding secret until now, and launched myself as “MIGWORKS” in March 2010.
Find my DoneDeal advert via Google, which lists my business as No.1 when searching car welding in Kilkenny / Waterford or Clonmel (i am central to all 3).
I look forward to assisting your members in repairing and restoring their
pride & joy!
Website: www.migworks.com EMAIL info@migworks.com
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Our winter road run is now on Sunday 17th leaving Tubs and Tiles at 11.30 heading to Abbeyleix for lunch and then heading to “DONAGHMORE WORKHOUSE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM” and back to Kilkenny via ” THE RATHDOWNEY OUTLET CENTRE” back in Kilkenny for 5 
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After the ridiculous situation with the Renaults, no matter how much information one gathered the chances of buying one was very slim.
I have always wondered why there are so many MG”b”’s, Stags and Jaguars and Morris Minor’s for sale, the answer is now rather obvious they don’t rust as fast as many of the others, why, well there is the pride of ownership where cars have been rust-proofed and any signs of rust is eradicated, though for some reason the little minor doesn’t quite fit in or does it by the examples in the club the Morris Minor is very much cherished..
Our minor wasn’t rust proofed or undersealed but it didn’t show any signs of rust, one of the obvious spots I have seen is the front door bottom, however from the numbers for sale the minor stands out head and shoulders above other small cars.
I looked at some other cars and of course rust and the Marina go hand in hand, despite being nearly Britains best selling car at one point, it has many other accolades to live down, Britains worst made car, Britains worst handling car and from a poll taken four years ago there was only just over 600 left on the road making it the most scrapped car.
The Marina was supposed to appeal to the fleet market and Mr and Mrs Average, it was a simple car with two engine choices 1.3 and 1.8 neither engine was new but were hand me downs from other models, never the less they were reliable. You also had a choice of three body styles two door coupe, four door saloon and an estate, though there is a rumour which said that the estate only came about as they had some spare parts left over.
The drive was through the rear axle which was the current fashion at that time, though front wheel drive was coming up fast.
The Marina was designed by Roy Haynes but some of his idea’s were considered too radical by management, he thought there should be a common floor pan across the range, which has become an industry standard, so a Triumph designer Harry Webster was brought in, however it seems many others had their fingers in the pie and the costs of developing the car was escalating, things got so bad that they decided to develop the coupe and the saloon as separate cars which was an unheard of practice.
Apart from the saloon and coupe there was a pickup and a van, suspension was not futuristic rear leaf springs and torsion bar at the front. A hot version of the saloon appeared the TC twin carbs as the MG”B” it was almost an “B” unit, and a low powered diesel was introduced which developed something like 40BHP no performance figures are shown and it was only sold in countries where tax advantages applied for diesel power though some comments state it must have been woefully slow.
The Marina was launched in the UK during the summer of 1971, within 11 months the 100,000th Marina was built, the model a 1.8TC, this actual version of the Marina has been declared the rarest car on UK roads.
The 1.3 engine was quite economical with figures of 37mpg, the 1.8 the figure had dropped to around 24 mpg, the hot coupe such mundane figures are not quoted which is indicative of a slightly more thirsty motor, all three had different tyre sizes, the 1.3 ran on 145×13’s, the 1.8 was shod with 155×13’s and the hot coupe 165x70x13’s, however all three had the usual disc front brakes and rear drums, gearboxes were 4speed all syncro and there was an automatic available.
The poor Marina had a few inherent problems, the first cars released to the press had incorrect set up of the front suspension, which meant the there was no change of camber when the car rolled on bends, which is recorded as producing heroic levels of under steer and in some cases the car would end up on the wrong side of the road, it seems 5000 cars were delivered in this state, however modifications were made to correct the problem.
The final accolade of the Marina from the motoring press was it was one of the worst cars of all time.
In 1980 there was great news from Leyland a new car the Morris Ital was being launched, the name implied Italian styling, well I happened to be in Kirkby Lonsdale in the Lake district the night before the unveiling of the ITAL and sitting in this little country town’s Morris Dealer’s showroom under a cover was obviously an Ital what an opportunity so in I went and was just to lift the cover when a very stern security man stepped forward, “I wouldn’t do that Sir”, I hastily dropped the cover, I wasn’t trying to steal it, honest, the unveiling is tomorrow morning, but, sorry sir no but’s and I was sort of ushered out.
Well, what a let down, yes the car had been looked at by our friends at Ital Design studio’s but only to ensure production correctness, no design, and as we know it was a tarted up Marina, Harris Mann was actually given the job and all we got was the same old Marina.
By now you are probably saying what about the Lamborghini, fair enough, well the Marina Door Handles, honest, were used in the Urraco, they also appeared in the Range rover, a couple of Peugeot’s Fiat’s and Alfa Romeo’s and lastly Lotus, not bad going, apparently they were made by Willmot Breedon better known for keys.
Little secret the next car will be something everyone will love, no rust no rubbish a true classic but you will have to wait, happy motoring and how does one keep a white Capri clean parked near Avonmore, got my eyes on that one, regards as always
Ted Lay tedlay@gmail.com
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