Ford Prefect 100E

Just oozing Fifties charm, the cheap and cheerful 100E version of the long-running Ford Prefect range was launched in 1953 and immediately became a big hit with the family motorist on a tight budget.

Startlingly modern compared to its ‘sit up and beg’ E493A predecessor, it perfectly reflected the new mood of optimism that was sweeping across the land since the forward-looking Festival of Britain celebrations. Ditching the antiquated separate chassis design of the outgoing model, it had up-to-the-minute monocoque construction while coil independent front suspension supplanted the transverse leaf spring with braking by Girling hydraulic drums.

Under the bonnet the old side-valve 1,172 cc engine was retained but it was substantially re-engineered to give 20% more power. When tested by The Motor magazine it recorded a top speed of 71mph with 33mpg economy and cost just £658.

Inside there were separate front seats trimmed in PVC with leather as an option, and two circular instruments in front of the driver - one containing the speedometer and the other fuel and water temperature gauges. The gear change was floor mounted and the heater was an optional extra. Over 100,000 were sold before it was replaced by the very similar 107E in 1959.

One of the last cars produced, this particular 100E was first registered in Worcestershire in July 1959 and has had just three owners to date, the first of whom kept it for 54 years. In remarkably original condition throughout, it has covered only 58,000 miles and has been in regular use during the current three-year ownership.

Looking most charming in Powder Blue with a two-tone blue interior, it is said to drive beautifully. Despite the odd dent and blemish here and there, the bodywork remains in exceptionally sound condition and, given the well-preserved interior, it has the potential to be made into a very fine example indeed.