Ford Popular 100E De Luxe

The modern three-box Ford Popular 100E was available alongside the pre-war styled “sit up and beg” 103E model. One step up from the basic ladder framed design, the 100E had a monocoque bodyshell, coil springs and hydraulic brakes. In production from 1953 until 1959, its strengthened 1,172cc side valve “10hp” engine gave 36bhp, sufficient for a top whack of 71mph, whilst 60mph took 32.2 seconds to reach from a standstill. Probably of more importance to the general public was an average of 33mpg and whilst service intervals were still every 1,000 miles, the number of grease nipples had been reduced by half. Well over 100,000 were sold making it a very common sight on the roads of Britain in the period.

A dashboard transfer shows that this late 1959 example was supplied by John McBain and Sons in Berwick-upon-Tweed. The original invoice which accompanies the car shows that it cost £759 and was ordered to De Luxe specification. This added chrome side strips and, most importantly, a heater! The file also includes the original warranty slip (now sadly expired), service chit, accessories pamphlet, original sales brochure and even a copy of the Highway Code. Painted in Ambassador Blue, the car has covered a mere 65,000 miles and the vendor believes has been in constant use since new. The vendor, a classic Ford specialist, has recently rebuilt the engine with new rings, valves and valve springs and confirms that it runs beautifully. He has also waxoiled the bodywork which is in very sound condition and confirms that the interior is fantastic, the original seats, headlining and door cards being in A1 condition.

What tremendous value these small Fords represent. This low mileage example offers a real piece of motoring history, in lovely mellowed original condition, at a most affordable price.