1955 Ford Popular Grey standard

1955 Ford Popular standard

This 1955 Ford Popular is an original. The owner has had it for 5+ years. The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for weekend drives.

Vehicle Details

The ford Anglia/Popular series was manufactured in England from 1939-1959. Manufacturing halted from 1940-47 because of WW2. In 1948, production resumed under the “Anglia” badge. The Anglia was imported into the USA from 1948-53 in left hand drive. Ford change the Anglia body styling for the 1954 production model. However, Ford continued the earlier body style for 1954 and changed the model name to the Popular, continuing production through 1959. The popular and Anglia are virtually identicle except for cost cutting trim details such as one wiper blade, painted bumpers, no turn signals and no heater. All populars are right hand drive and were not exported to the USA. Interestingly, the Popular was the least expensive car sold in England during that time period.

I bought this 1955 Popular “on-line” in 2013 from England and had it shipped over via the port of Baltimore. The car ran OK but I was disappointed in the body work. I discovered rust repair and body plastic that would require a skill I didn’t have to get the body where I desired. Instead on restoring the car, I decided to create a reliable daily driver.

I pulled the engine and had it rebuilt including new pistons, valves, lifters and guides, timing chain etc. I replaced the factory carburetor with a new VW Solex unit. The factory carb is noted for leaking gasoline and vapor lock. I upgraded the unreliable Lucas ignition system with a MSD capacitive, multi-spark unit. The engine starts quickly, runs great for an 1100cc, 25 HP, side valve engine and gets 30 miles to the gallon.

The electrical system was changed from 6 to 12 volts including a one wire alternator. All the original 6 volt components were saved and could be reinstalled if desired. No factory wiring was destroyed in the conversion. An electric fuel pump replaced the original factory pump. An electric pump avoids prolonged cranking after the car has sat for days or weeks.

The drive train is in very good condition. The clutch does not chatter or slip. The throw out bearing is quiet. The 3 speed floor shit transmission is quiet and has never jumped out of gear. The rear differential is also quiet. There is an occasional drip of oil under the car but for the most part is very dry.

The brake system is mechanical and unchanged from the factory. All the rod and levers work just as required. The brakes don’t pull, fade or nose dive during braking. All the linings are new. There is mild squealing that is common with mechanical brakes. The 17”x4” rims are straight. The tires are as delivered from England. The treads on all 5 tires are good. The tires are old but have never had a flat. I only drive the car locally didn’t worry about tire issues. The factory tire jack is located in the trunk with a tire iron to loosen the lugs.

All the gauges work. The speedo needle wanders a little but is accurate. The windshield wiper does work but the vacuum motor is a little slow. The previous English owner added turn signals and they work fine.

The sale includes a shop manual, the original carburetor, fuel pump, generator, voltage regulator and assorted extra gaskets.

• Make: Ford
• Model: Popular
• Trim: standard
• Year: 1955
• Mileage: 65471
• VIN: C873386
• Color: Grey
• Engine size: 1150 Side Valve
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!