BF Auction: 1950 Ford Prefect Coupe Utility
- Seller: Byron J
- Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Mileage: 0 Shown
- Chassis #: C453471
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Triumph 1500cc
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
While some enthusiasts prefer to follow a well-worn path when purchasing a classic, others prefer vehicles that stand out from the crowd. If you fall into the latter group, you may find this 1950 Ford Prefect Coupe Utility irresistible. It presents well, is a turnkey proposition, and the mechanical upgrades will improve performance and safety. Health issues have forced the owner’s hand, meaning that he can no longer enjoy this Ford as he once did. He wants it to head to a home with a passionate enthusiast who will continue to appreciate this pint-sized Pickup. Therefore, he has listed the Prefect with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Astute readers will probably recognize this Prefect because we last saw it in 2019. The current owner spotted it then and was so taken by what he saw that he immediately handed over the cash to take it home. The vehicle had no immediate needs, but certain aspects of it didn’t meet his high standards. Chief among these was the glass, which was less than ideal. Therefore, he replaced every piece, adding new rubbers and seals to prevent leaks. He includes the original windshield and frame as a welcome spare for the winning bidder. Otherwise, this little gem had no apparent needs. Its Blue paint holds a warm shine and is contrasted by a fine Red pinstripe. It should be considered a driver-quality classic, with only minor marks and imperfections. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no significant bumps or bruises. The owner supplies a comprehensive image gallery confirming that this Prefect is as solid as the day it was born, with no rust or other problems. The trim is impressive for its age, while the Coker whitewalls add a classy touch to what is quite a humble classic.
The Prefect was typical of British vehicles of the era and was powered by a modest 1,172cc flathead four-cylinder engine producing 20hp. A three-speed manual transmission handled shifting duties, while the company fitted a 10-leaf rear spring for improved load-carrying ability. However, most of that information is no longer relevant, with the precious owner swapping the original drivetrain for a 1,500cc four and a four-speed transmission. That should provide a significant performance boost, while the current owner’s decision to remove a couple of leaves from the rear spring will greatly improve comfort. They retained the removed leaves that the buyer could refit if they wanted. The owner worked through a few mechanical tasks to ensure the Ford was a turnkey proposition. He tuned the carburetor to improve the engine’s manners and also discovered a brake issue that he rectified. The previous owner converted the system from mechanical to hydraulic, but the current owner discovered that they had fitted the wheel cylinders upside down. This would have caused problems when bleeding the system, but he rectified that installation flaw, meaning it is no longer an issue. He indicates that the rear wheel hub seals are weeping, but believes that this is probably due to the limited use this classic receives. He has only clocked around 100 miles since purchasing the vehicle in 2019, and the seals might settle if the winning bidder spends more time behind the wheel. Otherwise, this Prefect runs and drives nicely and can be considered a turnkey proposition.
One aspect of this Prefect that didn’t require much attention was its interior. The previous owner performed a retrim in Brown vinyl, and the lack of use since 2019 means that it remains in excellent condition. There is no wear or other imperfections, guaranteeing that the winning bidder will receive plenty of positive feedback wherever they go. There are a couple of small jobs for the buyer to tackle, but none are complicated. The owner supplies the last pieces of new wind lacing for the buyer to install, which is the final piece of the retrim puzzle. The vehicle features a retro-style gauge set, and the fuel gauge flutters slightly. The owner has been told that the speedometer requires calibrating, but that shouldn’t present many problems. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing.
Sources vary when the subject turns to how many examples of the 1950 Ford Prefect Coupe Utility are in North America. Some place the tally at one or two, but all agree that the total doesn’t climb into double-digit territory. Therefore, if the winning bidder takes this tiny classic to a show or a Cars & Coffee, they are unlikely to park beside an identical example. The Prefect has seen show action while in the care of its current owner and has walked away with a few trophies. He doesn’t want to part with this sweet little gem, but health issues have left him with no choice. It deserves a new home with someone who will appreciate it, so he has turned to our Barn Finds readers. He acknowledges that you all know how to treat classics with the respect they deserve, and this Prefect has earned that right. So, are you up for the challenge?
Bid On This Auction
Sumabich bid $8,001.00 2024-11-05 13:58:30
Steve bid $6,000.00 2024-11-04 19:14:22
Pierre bid $2,000.00 2024-10-30 09:53:24
Mack's 1 bid $500.00 2024-10-29 17:46:49
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Comments
It’s too bad the current owner has to sell it, as this is a beautiful little truck.
This truck makes me smile just looking at it! These are certainly not a dime a dozen either, and can you imagine the conversations you’d have at the local car meet?
Anxiously awaiting the first “LS” comment. This doesn’t count as an engine swap would qualify as a crime against nature.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy tie-in price bump may be in effect.
@JR- Thank you. Mr.Adams would enjoy your comment.
The European vehicles of this era always draws an “Aw” moment. It has the cute factor up the ying yang, but rest assured, it stops there. Again, horribly inept for any kind of travel here, and by sheer design, I couldn’t imagine it would do well even if updated. It’s far too nice to ruin it with any updates, it is what it is, folks. I remember seeing only a handful of Anglias, and a Prefect( that we were sure it was a misspelled “Perfect”) even less. Apparently, the Prefect was a much improved Anglia, but we never knew it. We look at its stunning condition, but I can’t help but think, it is/was a utility vehicle and with that, I’m sure many didn’t survive the rigors of daily usage. It’s an incredible find.
I’d never seen or heard of Anglias until I started going to the drag races in CO back in the 70s at Thunder Road and Erie where one was being raced.. although I imagine about the only part of the original Anglia remaining was the body. It did such spectacular wheelies that they had to put bars on the back to keep it from flipping over. As to this lovely old truck, for sure it has the cute factor going big time, and as @Terrry said.. it makes me smile too. Practical or not in today’s world, there’s something rather endearing about it to me, and if I had a place to keep it I’d buy it for that reason alone. And as you said, it’s an incredible find. I doubt there are any others like it in the world.
Great little vehicle, nice color, all good and I like it a lot but why, oh why, with one million pictures, and I appreciate the detail, can’t we get a good overall side view? Ok, a pet peeve of mine on vehicle ads. Would be nice to see the vehicle overall. I don’t think we normally spend our time looking at our cars from 2 feet away. Ok, I’ll shut up.
Hi Mike. I appreciate your comments. In regards to placing my ad, the kind people at Barnfinds said it would help to get as many pics, especially close ups so that the bidders can see what they’re wanting to buy. I was totally focused on that and it slipped my mind about a side profile pic. I probably would have said the same, so I agree with your comment. Thanks for looking!
Great car! Love seeing it!
Any clue as to what ‘brand’ the engine is…..???
I see that it has been omitted, it’s a 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500 cc.
In one of the photos of included plates; the engine is rated as 1175cc four cylinder / 25 hp, which also makes it quite humorous that it has a 160 kmh speedometer on the dash — those Brits and Aussies are such hopeful people steeped in fantasy. :-)
no good full-view pics here, I usually do this only for unrestored so folks can C in all their glory. Today no ‘long views’:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiefordadverts/13117740935/in/photostream/
some 1 (or successive owners) has restr0red extensively. “Ford of Oz” & “Made in England” is some convoluted stuff there…
When I first glanced at the listing, I thought who would want that? Then I looked at the listing and I knew who would want it “ME”.
Not a model we had in the UK from what I know, Australia and probably South Africa, RHD so should really come to the UK………. I like it!
The “SA” plates make me think South Australia.
Very pretty and well done, however, I saw in the pictures from under the bed what appeared to be a crack on top of one of the frame rails and considerable rust on the side of a frame rail – both fairly easily mended, but there, nonetheless.
This little truck is seriously cute but the Right Hand Drive aspect would be a problem if you wanted to pass somebody on a two-lane road.
I have driven US-made LEFT hand drive buses in England so I have some appreciation of this.
You have to have a passenger in the other seat to tell you when to pass. In reality, we have few two lane roads left and even with the 1500 ccs, you’re not going to be passing anyone anyway.
This truck has been heavily modified, A Ford fitted with a Triumph 1500cc engine (spitfire)?, the rear axle has MOWOG stamped into the rear cover suggesting an MGB or Austin, the rear suspension link rods, torque arms are home made, the welds often look to be stick and would need to be checked over, paintwork is not the best and there seems to be a lot of filler / bog / bondo, if that is over damage, maybe ok, if over rust, maybe not so much, I think a pre purchase inspection would be advised, very cute and I do like it but could be a lot to put right depending on how well it was built…..
I believe the tail lights aren’t stock. They look very similar to the lights I installed on my utility trailer and the bottom of the bed boards appear to be bare wood. Granted it’s a sunny weekender but they should still be properly finished.
I believe the tail lights were an option on the Ute, but I might be incorrect. I’ve seen photos of them without lights, or one as an indicator for braking and maybe turning. The rebuilder of this truck decided upon these taillights and where they could be fitted. If I were to redo them they would be a more flush to the body style and placed farther apart towards the ends of the bed. Although I know there were a lot of modifications on the Ute, I never cared for the style and position of the lights. This is something that can be rectified.
The tail lights would not be legal in the UK, or probably Europe, they need to be within 9″ or 12″? of the outside of the edge of the vehicle, easily rectified.
What would it cost (best guess) to ship this to say New York for shipping to the UK?
RE: the. comments about RHD vehicles in the US. I have had five RHD vehicles (3 classic Minis, a 1955 Austin London Taxi, and a 59 Bugeye sprite) currently only have one of them, a 93 Rover Mini. which is a delight to drive, and have a lot of 2-lane roads here in Rural Southern NM. the trick on passing is to get as far right as possible in order to see past the vehicle in front, then carefully ease to the left and once you see it is clear enough, Bob’s your uncle. the mini with a 1275cc engine has plenty of power to propel it’s 1500lbs around any car that doesn’t want to race. The only exception to this technique was the Taxi. Although you could see for a mile on the right side of the highway, forget passing anything faster than a horse and buggy. was a wonderful vehicle–everyone enjoyed it except the driver..
wiper arms and blades?
Neat little pickup.
Wipers are with the other parts. Never used them.
does the wiper system actually work, i.e. spindles turn when requested? even though the arms are not fitted.
Have you looked into the rear hub oil leaks as I doubt a rubber seal will improve with driving? I suspect, looking at the stick welding around the axle ends there is more to that oil leak than a dry seal?
Is the oil getting onto the rear brake shoes?
what a cute little truck!!
Can you tell the brand/source of the rear license plate frame?
Many thanks.
PaulL