Technically, the MK1 didn't exist - it didn't become known as the Mk1 until the MKII arrived in February 1956, until then they were simply Ford Consuls, Ford Zephyrs and Ford Zodiacs (or Zephyr Zodiacs).

The first Consul arrived on January 2nd 1951, costing £470 (without a heater) plus purchase tax of £196/19s/2d and heralded a revolution in motor manufacturing. The body was monocoque, that is to say it had no separate chassis and MacPherson front suspension struts (designed by Earle S. MacPherson) were used for the first time on a British car. The Consul had a 1508cc 4 cylinder engine which developed 48bhp whilst the 3 speed Column Change gearbox allowed for the much loved bench seats in the front. Top speed was in the low 70s. The engine in a slightly modified form, went on to power the MKII range and between the years 1950 and 1962 a total of 406,792 of these four cylinder engines were made.

February 1951 saw the first of the Zephyr range costing £608 with its six cylinder 2262cc engine which boosted performance to in excess of 60bhp and a top speed of 80mph. The Raymond-Mays conversion with twin S.U. carburettors claimed an excess of 100bhp and 95mph. There was, later, a power-convertible version by Carbodies as well as an Abbott-bodied estate.

The Zodiac (Zephyr Zodiac) didn't arrive until late 1953 and cost £851. This top of the range "MK1" embodied two tone livery, whitewall tyres, chrome wheel trims, wing mirrors as standard, windscreen washers, gold plated lettering, spot lamp/s, fog-lamps and reversing lamps. Inside were such luxuries as two tone leather seats and panelling, clock, cigarette lighter and a vanity mirror on the passenger side - which was still considered to be the lady's side. The engine in its standard form was rated by Ford at 72bhp and they quoted max speed as being 82mph.

• October 1950 - four cylinder Consul and six cylinder Zephyr Six introduced.
• January and February 1951 - production starts, mainly Consuls, half of which are sold overseas.
• September 1952 - flat dash replaced with new design housing instruments in separate dash pod (which mimics Zephyr grille) Maurice Gastonides wins the over 1500cc class in the Monte Carlo rally in a standard Zephyr.
• October 1953 - high spec Zephyr Zodiac launched with two tone body colours, whitewall tyres, a plush interior complete with two tone leather, and a slightly hotter engine. Consuls and Zephyr Sixes receive restyled brightwork, interior and equipment tweaks.
• November 1954 - cylinder block casting changed to incorporate new flywheel and cover plate.
• August 1955 - Borg Warner overdrive option on six cylinder cars.
• February 1956 - production ends...

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Why Five Stars?

Each star represented a new feature in 1950 when the range was introduced.

1. The monocoque body did away with the separate chassis of the preceeding V8 Pilot, making the new cars lighter and stiffer.

2. That structure allowed the passenger compartment to be placed low down between the axles to give improved handling and passenger comfort.

3. MacPherson struts incoroporated the coil spring, damper and suspension upright as one unit.

4. Hydraulic brakes were fitted to all four wheels.

5. Oversquare four and six cylinder engines made the most of relaxed horsepower taxation rules that had previously encouraged engines to be long stroke, slow revving sloggers!

So now you know!