Consul Classic

A classic in more ways than one, the 315 is the archetypal ’60s Ford. Here’s what to look for.

A classic in more ways than one, the 315 is the archetypal ’60s Ford. Here’s our in-depth guide.

Originally scheduled for launch at the very end of the 1950s, Ford’s Consul Classic didn’t materialise until May 1961 thanks to the phenomenally popular Anglia hogging Dagenham’s production facility.

While it was late though, the Consul Classic was certainly worth the wait, Ford having made the most of the extended development time to produce a mid-sized saloon that succeeded in conveying the desired premium feel.

Designed to stand out amongst its rivals, the Consul Classic featured the reverse rake window style of the Anglia and took its styling cues straight from Ford’s American offerings.

The quadruple headlights and closed front grille added to the car’s distinctive appearance and while it wasn’t quite as advanced under the skin as its swoopy sheetmetal suggested — the Consul Classic basically running the Anglia’s engine with an increased stroke of 65.07 mm to give a displacement of 1340cc — it did have some features that were ahead of its time. Front disc brakes were standard and there were also manual screen washers, variable electric windscreen wipers, both on the standard and Deluxe level of trim, and the option to vary the density of the interior and dashboard lighting.

MacPherson strut front suspension meant that the Consul Classic was as acclaimed for its road holding and ride as it was for its generous specification, and things got even better when the torquier five-bearing, 1498cc engine was introduced in July 1962. Codenamed the 116E (the 1340cc car being known as the 109E), the bigger-engined Consul Classic also benefited from synchromesh on all gears and changes to the running gear, including the deletion of the grease points on the suspension and steering that reduced the need for regular maintenance.

The raft of changes made the Consul Classic even more appealing, but little more than a year later, Ford pulled the plug after a production run of 111,000 — the high manufacturing costs and the imminent arrival of the Cortina and Corsair that drove its demise.

Today, it’s estimated that only circa 250 remain, so if you want an exclusive and stylish ’60s Ford that won’t break the bank, then it’s fair to say that the Consul Classic looks good in more ways than one.