Ford Consul Parts & Accessories

Ford Consul Parts & Accessories

The Ford Consul produced from 1951 to 1962 at Ford's Dagenham factory in England was the smaller-displacement companion to the Zephyr in Ford's British lineup, using a 1.5-liter overhead-valve inline-four engine in a modern unibody construction that represented a significant engineering advance over the prewar body-on-frame designs it replaced. The Consul's MacPherson strut front suspension was one of the first applications of this design on a mass-production car in Britain, influencing suspension engineering direction across the European automotive industry throughout the 1950s. A convertible version was also produced, alongside the MkII update that arrived in 1956 with a larger 1.7-liter engine and revised styling that remained in production through 1962. This collection covers service and restoration parts for the Ford Consul MkI and MkII across their full production run.

Popular Upgrades

Cylinder head reconditioning kits including hardened valve seat inserts for unleaded fuel compatibility are the most important preventive maintenance items for the Consul's overhead-valve inline-four, given that the original cast iron seats were designed for leaded fuel and wear rapidly when exposed to modern unleaded petrol without the lubrication that lead provided. Timing chain replacement kits, piston ring sets in multiple oversizes, and main and rod bearing sets address the primary internal engine wear categories on higher-mileage and long-stored Consul examples where the original castings remain serviceable but internal wear has accumulated. Koni or Armstrong period-specification shock absorbers, front MacPherson strut spring replacement, and steering swivel ball joint kits restore the precise European ride and handling character that made the Consul advanced for its era.

Performance and Handling

The Consul's MacPherson strut front suspension was genuinely advanced for its 1951 introduction, providing independent front wheel movement through a single strut unit rather than the kingpin and A-arm designs still used by most British contemporaries, and maintaining correct strut geometry through quality replacement springs and fresh strut bearings is essential for preserving its intended handling balance. The rear suspension uses a live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, and fresh spring bushings, U-bolts, and shackle hardware address the primary wear points in the rear system. Front disc brake conversions for later MkII Consul examples using Cortina hardware were popular even in period and remain a practical safety upgrade that significantly improves stopping confidence on cars that have been updated with retreaded tires and more powerful engine modifications.

What engine did the Ford Consul use?

The Ford Consul MkI used a 1508cc overhead-valve inline-four producing approximately 47 horsepower, while the MkII introduced from 1956 used an enlarged 1703cc version of the same basic engine design producing approximately 59 horsepower for improved performance. Both engines used a three-main-bearing crankshaft and a pushrod valve train operating from a single camshaft in the block, with valve clearance adjustment by means of simple screw and locknut rocker arm adjustment accessible through the removable rocker cover. The Consul's basic engine architecture was shared in modified forms with the Zephyr Six and influenced the development of the subsequent Cortina engine family.

How do I find parts for the Ford Consul in North America?

Ford Consul parts availability in North America is limited compared to UK-market sourcing, as the car was sold only in small numbers in the US and Canadian markets as an imported model rather than being assembled domestically. UK specialists including members of the Ford Consul Zephyr and Zodiac Owners Club maintain parts and information resources that are accessible to overseas owners, and shipping from UK suppliers is the most reliable approach for body and trim items unique to the Consul that are not represented in any US parts catalog. Engine internals, carburetor service components, and brake hardware for the Consul's basic mechanical systems have some overlap with other Ford British-market products of the era that may improve availability through general British classic car parts suppliers.

Why These Parts Fit Right

Parts in this collection are cataloged to the Ford Consul MkI and MkII with correct 1.5-liter and 1.7-liter engine variant fitment notes and production year identification. Compatibility data distinguishes between the two generation body styles where suspension and body components differ. Fast shipping from stocked inventory supports Consul restoration projects.

Find exhaust options in the exhaust collection, explore suspension restoration components in the suspension catalog, or browse air intake systems for British Ford OHV inline-four applications.