Our major impression of the Ford Consul was its amazing top speed. On test it exceeded 75 mph comfortably and on one of the time runs bettered 80 mph, reaching engine speed of 5,400 rpm – an outstanding performance for a five passenger English car of 1.5 litres.

It is worth noting that there had been no maintenance on this car for 300 miles before the "Wheels" test.

The Consul we tested, incorporates many minor modifications made since the car was introduced, has an outstanding performance, good road manners, , steering which can not be faulted, a large boot, and bench seats front and rear. It is a very good small family car.

From the driving seat the driver has excellent vision all round and one immediately feels at home behind the wheel. Although rain was encountered during the first part of the test we found adhesion was well above average and allowed high speeds to be maintained regardless.

The unique, long coil-spring front suspension gives a firm ride but a comfortable one. It absorbs rough surfaces very well and noise is very low. Porthole areas were negotiated without discomfort to the passengers or objections from the vehicle.

The car handles very well indeed at speed, and can be taken through corners in sports style. Body roll is present, but not to a degree which calls for criticism. Tyre squeal is evident and is too readily provoked. Close attention to tyre pressure is a must for Consul drivers.

Under pressure the rear wheels will break away slightly. This is easily corrected, particularly with help from the lively engine.

Position of the steering wheel is excellent, as is the steering itself. It is both light and accurate, with only2.5 turns of the wheel from lock to lock. The car does not noticeable under or over-steer.

Rake of the wheel is more upright than usual, and gives leg -room around the steering column gear lever for a tall person.

The over-square engine is surprisingly lively and flexible. It is quiet at all times, free from vibration and carburettor hiss. Pulling power in top gear is equal to many larger cars.

Overheating-a bugbear for many cars in Sydney at least when the temperature was 107 – did not occur even after speed runs on a scorching day.

Engine accessibility is excellent. The battery, often tucked away in an inaccessible position, is mounted forward near the radiator.

Maximum speed shows some slight roughness, which we were inclined to put down as wheel misbalance.

On the other hand it might have been the substantial margin of revs was pulling above it’s peak figure.

The gear change has the shortest travel of any steering-column lever we have tried. The synchromesh cannot be over-ridden and the driver does not have to lean forward to select gears.

The ratios were well balanced, and the box itself is very slight in operation. The clutch is connected to the gearbox by a hydraulic linkage, and while having short throw calls for a high pedal pressure.

The brakes are very good, and although pedal pressures are heavier than some cars the action is smooth and positive. There was no sign of fade during the test. Panic stops from about 78 mph were accomplished in a straight line without wheel lock. A pleasant surprise was that the car did not stand on tit’s nose during heavy braking.

The parking brake is conveniently located under the facia at the left of the steering column and seemed quite efficient for the purpose for which it was designed.

Overall body design is highly functional, with clean and modern lines. It is free from unnecessary embellishment. Wind noise is low and unobtrusive. Road noise and drum is present, as with most of the mono-constructed body-and-chassis cars we have tried, and should be improved.

The interior is tastefully furnished. The raised and hooded instrument panel carried a large half-circle speedometer, with fuel and ampmeter gauges.

The wipers are vacuum-operated. The horn is operated from a press button in the centre of the steering wheel, the most practical method.

The trafficator arm switch is above.

A full-length parcel shelf runs across the facia. Ashtrays are provided front and rear.

The floor controls are well spaced, with pendulum pedals for clutch and brake and accelerator. There is room off the clutch for the left foot, where it can rest on the dipswitch at night.

The seating is not above criticism. The benches are covered in leather cloth and are rather too hard. In addition, the driver finds his bench rather short under the knees, giving a "sitting on the point" effect which is tiring after a long drive. In addition the seat adjustment-locking device is not as positive as it could be, particularly on the passenger side.

The is lined with washable plasticised material, with a centre light.

Headroom throughout is ample, but leg room in the rear is cramped.

For the family man the very large rubber lined boot is an outstanding feature. The lid is hinged ruggedly at both sides and is spring loaded. The spare wheel is housed at the right, providing space for luggage.

Ventilation in the interior is provided by quarter-light front windows and a vent ducting air from the front of the car, controlled by a pull out knob under the parcels tray in the facia.