How many miles per gallon does a Ford Consul get?
Expect roughly the low- to mid-20s miles per gallon (mpg) in Imperial units, with four-cylinder versions tending toward the higher end and larger six-cylinder variants toward the lower end; actual figures vary by engine, transmission, and condition. There are no EPA-style official ratings for classic Fords like the Consul.
Context: the Ford Consul in brief
The Ford Consul was a UK-built family sedan produced in the 1950s and early 1960s. It shared DNA with the Zephyr/Zodiac range and came in a range of engine sizes and drivetrain configurations. Because it dates from before modern fuel economy testing, published mpg figures are spotty and largely depend on the engine and restoration state.
Engine options and typical fuel economy
The following ranges reflect commonly reported figures from vintage road tests and owner experiences. They are provided as a guide for collectors and restorers rather than as a precise spec for any single car.
Four-cylinder vs six-cylinder: what to expect
- Four-cylinder Consuls: typically about 28–32 mpg Imperial (roughly 23–27 mpg US). These engines were lighter and generally more efficient than the larger six-cylinder options.
- Six-cylinder Consuls: typically about 20–25 mpg Imperial (roughly 17–21 mpg US). The larger engines deliver more power but at the cost of economy.
- Automatic transmission variants: economy often 2–4 mpg Imperial lower than their manual counterparts, due to the weight and torque characteristics of the gearset.
In practice, real-world mileage depends on tune, carburetion, alignment, tyre choice, and how well the car has been maintained. Restoring or keeping carburettors in good shape and using correct octane fuel can improve efficiency modestly.
Driving and restoration considerations
Owners and restorers should consider factors that affect mpg beyond engine size. The Consul's age, materials, and era-era gearing mean that modern highway speeds can dampen efficiency, while careful maintenance can yield better results than people expect from a car of its era.
- Maintenance state: compression, ignition timing, and carburetor configuration.
- Gear ratios and tyre size: original or modern replacements affect gearing and rolling resistance.
- Fuel quality and octane: older engines respond differently to modern fuels.
- Driving style: steady cruising at moderate speeds typically yields better mpg than rapid acceleration or sustained high-speed driving.
For enthusiasts, the aim is often not maximum mpg but reliable, smooth operation with acceptable efficiency for a car of its generation.
Historical notes and modern context
Because the Consul predates modern emissions and fuel economy cycles, published figures from the era vary and are not comparable to contemporary standards. Modern owners often measure a wide range depending on the restoration level and mechanical condition. When evaluating a classic Consul for purchase or restoration, it’s wise to test-drive and tally miles per gallon under typical driving to set realistic expectations.
Summary
The Ford Consul's fuel economy varies primarily by engine type and condition. Four-cylinder variants typically deliver higher mpg than larger six-cylinder models, with automatics generally slightly less efficient. Real-world figures are best considered as a rough range (roughly in the low- to mid-20s mpg Imperial, with a broader spread depending on tune and upkeep). For vintage car fans, the key is balancing performance, reliability, and fuel use in light of the car's era-specific design.
How fast can a Ford Consul go?
Performance. A car tested by The Motor magazine in 1961 had a top speed of 78.4 mph (126.2 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 22.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 35.8 miles per imperial gallon (7.9 L/100 km; 29.8 mpg‑US) was recorded.
Is the Ford Consul a classic car?
The 1963 Ford Consul Capri is a rare and highly coveted classic, with only about ~18,000 units ever produced during its brief production run. This includes both standard and GT variants, making it an even rarer find for collectors.
What is the Ford Consul famous for?
Ford Consul EOTA (1951–1956)
It was the start of Ford of Britain's successful attack on the family saloon car market. With stablemate Zephyr, it was the first British Ford with modern unibody construction. The Zephyr Six replaced the larger-engined V-8 Pilot which had been made in only small numbers.
What engine did the Ford Consul have?
The Consul had a 1500 cc four-cylinder and it was the first British Ford with modern unibody construction. The model came with a 4-speed manual transmission and a top speed of 120 km/h. The Ford code for the Consul was the EOTA. Its sibling, the Zephyr, had a different engine with a 2262 cc displacement.
