What is a Ford Prefect?
The Ford Prefect is a name that resonates with both automotive enthusiasts and fans of science fiction. Originally, it was a car model produced by the British automaker Ford of Britain, but it also gained fame as a character in Douglas Adams' iconic book series, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Ford Prefect as a car and its cultural significance in literature.
The Ford Prefect: A Classic British Car
The Ford Prefect was a small family car manufactured by Ford of Britain between 1938 and 1961. It was part of the Ford "Popular" range, which also included models like the Ford Anglia and Ford Consul. The Prefect was designed to be an affordable and practical vehicle for the average British family, offering reliability and simplicity during a time when car ownership was becoming more widespread.
Here are some key features of the Ford Prefect:
- Production Years: 1938–1961, with several updates and redesigns over the years.
- Engine: The Prefect was powered by small, efficient engines, typically around 1.2 liters, making it economical for its time.
- Design: It featured a straightforward, boxy design that prioritized functionality over luxury.
- Popularity: The Prefect was a common sight on British roads during its production years, thanks to its affordability and ease of maintenance.
While the Ford Prefect is no longer in production, it remains a beloved classic car among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and charm.
The Ford Prefect in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"
In addition to its automotive legacy, the Ford Prefect gained a unique place in pop culture through Douglas Adams' science fiction series, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." In the books, Ford Prefect is a character who is an alien researcher for the titular guidebook. Despite his extraterrestrial origins, he adopts the name "Ford Prefect" under the mistaken belief that it would blend in seamlessly on Earth.
This humorous nod to the car reflects Adams' satirical style and adds a layer of cultural commentary. The character Ford Prefect is known for his wit, eccentricity, and adventurous spirit, making him one of the most memorable figures in the series.
Why the Ford Prefect Still Matters
The Ford Prefect, both as a car and a fictional character, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. For car enthusiasts, it represents a bygone era of British automotive design and innovation. For fans of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," it serves as a reminder of the series' clever humor and enduring appeal.
Whether you’re a classic car collector or a science fiction aficionado, the Ford Prefect is a name worth remembering. It’s a testament to how a simple car model can transcend its original purpose and become a cultural icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ford prefects were made?
On the home market it cost £658 including taxes of £220. 100,554 were made.
Why is he called Ford Prefect?
Although Ford had taken great care to blend into Earth society, he had "skimped a bit on his preparatory research," and thought that the name "Ford Prefect" would be "nicely inconspicuous." The Ford Prefect was a popular British car manufactured from 1938 to 1961, and Adams later clarified in an interview that Ford " ...
What is the rarest Ford engine?
Developed by a special team of Ford engineers in the early 2000s, the Ford Modular V10 is the rarest engine Ford ever produced, as only one unit has ever been made.
What engine was in the Ford Prefect?
They were powered by a 4 cylinder inline sidevalve, or flathead, engine. The Prefect's displacing 1172 cc, producing 30 hp, and the Anglia's was 933 cc for 23 hp.
What is the top speed of the Ford Prefect?
On test, The Motor magazine recorded a top speed of 73 mph (117 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 27.2 seconds.
What species is Ford Prefect?
Betelgeusians were a humanoid species from the Betelgeuse star system. Zaphod Beeblebrox and Ford Prefect were raised on the fifth and seventh planet of the system, respectively.
How many Ford Prefects were made?
On the home market it cost £658 including taxes of £220. 100,554 were made.
Who was Ford Prefect pretending to be for 15 years?
Ford did spend most of his 15 years on Earth pretending to be an out of work actor, which is fairly plausible. And he managed to blend in with the locals, aside from his habit of gate-crashing university parties and making fun of any astrophysicists he could find. His original name is lost to time, anyway.
What is Ford Prefect's job?
His role as Arthur Dent's friend – and rescuer, when Earth is unexpectedly demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass at the start of the story – is often expository, as Ford is an experienced galactic hitchhiker and explains that he is actually a journalist, a field researcher for the titular Guide itself, and not ...
What happened to Ford Prefect?
It was thought that Ford was killed on Earth when the Vogons destroyed it again, as well as any chance of it ever existing in any universe again. However, he actually survived and ended up living on the planet Nano.
