Car number 2...1952 Ford Consul

This car was distinctive in that it was my very first foray into Hire Purchase!. It was known as a 'wide mouthed' Consul and was a very popular British built car, quite a change from previous small Fords the new 1508 cc 47 bhp (35 kW) four cylinder engine had overhead valves, and hydraulic clutch operation was used, which back in 1950 was an unusual feature. However, a three-speed gearbox, with synchromesh only on second and top, was retained. The Consul was also the first British production car to use the now-common MacPherson strut independent front suspension, and was the first British Ford with modern unibody construction. It was a pleasure to drive and I was very proud of it. Again I no longer have any photos of my actual Consul but it looked very much like the black one to the left with the rearview mirrors on top of the guards.

Mine was blue in colour with white strips along the flanks just below the chrome strip. I sold this car to a neighbour before heading off overseas. I had this car from 1965 to 1967. The b/w photo above shows how similar the British  Ford Zephyr and Consul...the Zephyr had the 6 cylinder engine....I had a Zephyr too