Ford Prefect E493A

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Designed specially for the British market, the E93A, or Ford Prefect, was the first Ford to be designed outside the USA and was introduced in 1938 following on from the 7Y.

A more upmarket version of its Ford siblings, the Popular and the Anglia, its American influence was clear to see. Built at Dagenham, it was to remain in production in one form or another until 1961 and was only available in Britain as a four-door saloon in the post-war era, although export markets also had the option of a two-door, a ‘Ute’ and a van. Robust and mechanically simple, it had a tough 1,172cc side valve engine mated to a 3-speed gearbox in a basic A-frame chassis with the familiar Ford transverse front spring.

From 1949 a new E493A version was available, now with headlamps integrated into the wings (in place of the old wing-top pods). Capable of over 60mph and 30mpg, at £412 including taxes it was the cheapest four-door car on the British market and provided countless families with reliable transport for years, being finally replaced with the more modern monocoque-built 100E in 1953.

As the original buff log book confirms, this late model Prefect was bought new by Roy Smart of Ashstead, Surrey, in 1953 and was originally registered TPA 337. Various bills and photographs on file show that it was substantially restored in the mid-1980s and then had just one owner from 1989 to 2013. Other bills show regular maintenance throughout this time including the fitment of a stainless steel exhaust in 1992.

The vendor acquired the car two years ago after it had been in storage for around six years and has just recommissioned it, fitting a new fuel tank, fuel pump and battery, giving it a thorough service and also having the carburettor overhauled. Appearing to be in good order throughout with a nicely patinated interior, it is said to start and run well, 15 old MOTs showing that it covered some 1,500 miles between 1989 and 2006.

It comes with much useful literature relating to the model including a ‘Prefect Instruction Book’, ‘Ford Eight Instruction Book’, ‘Anglia Prefect 5cwt and 10cwt Vans Repair Manual’, ‘Anglia and Prefect 1939 – 1953 Workshop Manual’ plus a Ford Sidevalve Club parts manual.