Ford collection: a classic calling card for Peter

Ford holds a significant place in Peter's life. His car hobby began in 1985, when he imported a 1953 Ford Prefect. After mechanical restoration and a thorough cosmetic overhaul, he registered the car in the Netherlands in 1987. For Peter, it wasn't a museum piece, but simply a daily driver; strong enough to tow a caravan during the holidays. Sometimes life takes a different turn, and eventually, due to circumstances, the Ford had to go to a new owner, but his love for the brand remained undiminished.

The history of the Ford Prefect

The 1953 Ford Prefect belongs to the E493A series, which was built between 1949 and 1953 in Dagenham, UK, and also assembled in various countries. The model was equipped with the familiar 1172 cc sidevalve engine, good for approximately 30 hp, coupled with a three-speed manual transmission. It was solid, simple engineering: a distinctive chassis, leaf springs all around, and a body designed primarily for practicality. It was precisely this down-to-earth British solidity that made the Prefect suitable as a reliable utility vehicle, even towing a caravan.

Auto Motor Klassiek

During a digital search, Peter came across an article from December 2020 in which Auto Motor Klassiek wrote about a recovered Ford Prefect in neglect, with Belgian registration. Immediately, questions arose: where did his own Ford from back then go? Did it still exist? Perhaps the current owner will read this story and comment someday. After all, the world of classic Fords is smaller than you think.

Mini-museum with classic Fords

Fortunately, Peter's collection grew again. He now has three beautiful Fords from a bygone era in his garage, practically a mini-museum.

A Ford Anglia is certainly not missing. The factory advertising from that era was quite clear: "The Anglia is a joy to drive, a joy to ride, and a joy to own." The Anglia 100E (1953-1959) and later the 105E (from 1959) in particular made a significant impact on the streetscape. Compact, affordable, and technically simple, yet with a distinctive character.

The Ford Prefect was a charming four-door sedan, closely related to the Anglia. The Ford Model Y – produced between 1932 and 1937 in the United Kingdom – also belongs in that list. That model was available not only as a sedan, but also as a pickup truck and a van. Small, compact cars with great historical significance: they brought affordable mobility to a wide audience.

The deep blue of Peter's 1950s Ford suits him perfectly. It's the kind of shade that effortlessly transports you back to a time of flared fenders, skinny tires, and chrome details; even photos exude nostalgia.

Tornado Typhoon kit car

The romance of the car hobby often lies in uncovering a special project. For Peter, that's the discovery of a Tornado Typhoon. This British kit car was supplied in the 1960s by Tornado Cars Ltd., where buyers could choose a complete car or a kit. The Typhoon used components from the Ford Prefect or Ford 100E, including the engine and suspension.

Peter now has the fiberglass bodywork. All that's missing is the chassis of a Ford Prefect or 100E as a base. With a target weight of around 600 kilos, the end result promises to be a true "wolf in sheep's clothing": light, direct, and sporty, yet seemingly unassuming. It's a rare sight; you rarely see them on the road anymore. That's precisely what makes the project so appealing.

The car hobby is central

For Peter, the car hobby is undeniably central. During his working life, he's restored many cars to their former glory. Tinkering, searching for parts, connecting with other enthusiasts—it's all part of the job. He's convinced that Auto Motor Klassiek can be a useful tool: for new contacts, exchange of knowledge and perhaps for that one missing Prefect chassis.

Yesterday's cars still leave a trail of admiration. Not because they're perfect, but because they have character.

The hobby counts

An additional incentive for that hobby is a subscription to Auto Motor KlassiekEvery month, a wide selection of youngtimers, classics, and vintage cars on two or four wheels, for relatively little money – €49,50 per year. For those infected with the classic Ford bug or with another passion for vintage cars, this is actually a logical step.

(More photos below.)