Ford

Launched in May 1961, the Ford Consul Classic was positioned between the Anglia and Zephyr, combining mid-sized practicality with distinctive styling, including the reverse-rake rear window inspired by the 1958 Lincoln Continental. Larger and more substantial than the Anglia, it initially used a 1,340 cc engine, replaced in August 1962 by a stronger 1,498 cc unit. In September 1961 Ford added the Consul Capri, a sleek two-door coupé based on the Classic and intended to inject glamour into the range. Early Capris shared the 1,340 cc engine, but from August 1962 benefited from the improved 1,498 cc version, while February 1963 saw the arrival of the more powerful 2+2 Capri GT, developed with Cosworth and featuring a twin-choke Weber carburettor. Despite their advanced engineering, both models were costly to build and struggled against the cheaper, highly successful Cortina. The Classic ended production in October 1963 after 111,225 units, while the Capri was withdrawn shortly thereafter, with just 19,421 built, making it one of Ford Britain’s rarer 1960s models.