Ford Consul Mk1
Our major
impression of the Ford Consul was its amazing top speed. On test it exceeded 75
mph comfortably and on one of the time runs bettered 80 mph, reaching engine
speed of 5,400 rpm – an outstanding performance for a five passenger English
car of 1.5 litres.
It is worth
noting that there had been no maintenance on this car for 300 miles before the
"Wheels" test.
The Consul
we tested, incorporates many minor modifications made since the car was
introduced, has an outstanding performance, good road manners, , steering which
can not be faulted, a large boot, and bench seats front and rear. It is a very
good small family car.
From the
driving seat the driver has excellent vision all round and one immediately
feels at home behind the wheel. Although rain was encountered during the first
part of the test we found adhesion was well above average and allowed high
speeds to be maintained regardless.
The unique,
long coil-spring front suspension gives a firm ride but a comfortable one. It
absorbs rough surfaces very well and noise is very low. Porthole areas were
negotiated without discomfort to the passengers or objections from the vehicle.
The car
handles very well indeed at speed, and can be taken through corners in sports
style. Body roll is present, but not to a degree which calls for criticism.
Tyre squeal is evident and is too readily provoked. Close attention to tyre
pressure is a must for Consul drivers.
Under
pressure the rear wheels will break away slightly. This is easily corrected,
particularly with help from the lively engine.
Position of
the steering wheel is excellent, as is the steering itself. It is both light
and accurate, with only2.5 turns of the wheel from lock to lock. The car does
not noticeable under or over-steer.
Rake of the
wheel is more upright than usual, and gives leg -room around the steering
column gear lever for a tall person.
The
over-square engine is surprisingly lively and flexible. It is quiet at all
times, free from vibration and carburettor hiss. Pulling power in top gear is
equal to many larger cars.
Overheating-a
bugbear for many cars in Sydney at least when the temperature was 107 – did not
occur even after speed runs on a scorching day.
Engine
accessibility is excellent. The battery, often tucked away in an inaccessible
position, is mounted forward near the radiator.
Maximum
speed shows some slight roughness, which we were inclined to put down as wheel
misbalance.
On the other
hand it might have been the substantial margin of revs was pulling above its
peak figure.
The gear
change has the shortest travel of any steering-column lever we have tried. The
synchromesh cannot be over-ridden and the driver does not have to lean forward
to select gears.
The ratios
were well balanced, and the box itself is very slight in operation. The clutch
is connected to the gearbox by a hydraulic linkage, and while having short
throw calls for a high pedal pressure.
The brakes
are very good, and although pedal pressures are heavier than some cars the
action is smooth and positive. There was no sign of fade during the test. Panic
stops from about 78 mph were accomplished in a straight line without wheel
lock. A pleasant surprise was that the car did not stand on tit’s nose during
heavy braking.
The parking
brake is conveniently located under the facia at the left of the steering
column and seemed quite efficient for the purpose for which it was designed.
Overall body
design is highly functional, with clean and modern lines. It is free from
unnecessary embellishment. Wind noise is low and unobtrusive. Road noise and
drum is present, as with most of the mono-constructed body-and-chassis cars we
have tried, and should be improved.
The interior
is tastefully furnished. The raised and hooded instrument panel carried a large
half-circle speedometer, with fuel and amp meter gauges.
The wipers
are vacuum-operated. The horn is operated from a press button in the centre of
the steering wheel, the most practical method.
The
trafficator arm switch is above.
A
full-length parcel shelf runs across the facia. Ashtrays are provided front and
rear.
The floor
controls are well spaced, with pendulum pedals for clutch and brake and
accelerator. There is room off the clutch for the left foot, where it can rest
on the dipswitch at night.
The seating
is not above criticism. The benches are covered in leather cloth and are rather
too hard. In addition, the driver finds his bench rather short under the knees,
giving a "sitting on the point" effect which is tiring after a long
drive. In addition the seat adjustment-locking device is not as positive as it
could be, particularly on the passenger side.
The is lined
with washable plasticised material, with a centre light.
Headroom
throughout is ample, but leg room in the rear is cramped.
For the
family man the very large rubber lined boot is an outstanding feature. The lid
is hinged ruggedly at both sides and is spring loaded. The spare wheel is
housed at the right, providing space for luggage.
Ventilation
in the interior is provided by quarter-light front windows and a vent ducting
air from the front of the car, controlled by a pull out knob under the parcels
tray in the facia.