1949 Ford Prefect E493A review from Australia and New Zealand

Hmm. The engine became so worn that it couldn't drag the heavy little body up hills except with a run-up.

Replacing the babbit (poured) main bearings meant a line boring job, but replacing the valves was a breeze, the head was just a little cast plate, and there was no water pump or oil filter to worry about.

This car was advertised in the brochure still in the glove box when I bought it as a 'double entrance saloon', with exceptionally light controls and ideal for ladies to drive. They must have been giantesses in those days.

The car was seriously slow, and the beam axles and transverse springs (same as the Model T) made for exhilarating cornering.

I tipped it on its side one night, with five of us in it, and we climbed out, and set her up straight again, with only a little gravel rash on the fenders and oil leaking from the oil bath air-filter to show for it.

An odd little car, complete with an enormous valve radio and laminated windows all round.

All bakelite inside, and built like a little battleship.

An interesting stage of an automobile rake's progress.