2021 AFD Highlight – C1955 Popular custom

The great thing about Geelong’s annual All Ford Day is that it’s not just about Aussie and US Fords. British representatives from the Blue Oval get a run, too. And this example was one of the standouts for the JUST CARS crew from this year’s All Ford Day.

Part of a lineup of classic Brits in the ‘Angry Anglia’ display, this little Ford is almost certainly a Popular - despite the Anglia badges on its bonnet and larger headlights suggesting otherwise - so we’re guessing it’s of around C1955 vintage.

While slightly patinated outside, it was a different story under the bonnet and inside the cabin – fresh, glossy and VERY different from how this car would have rolled out of the factory.

The obvious change is the addition of a V8 engine, with Edelbrock induction, MSD ignition and a custom aluminium radiator amongst the obvious features, while the wider rear wheels suggest the engine’s a little warm, too.

Despite the manual look to the gear lever, this Popular was running an automatic, with the interior featuring full carpeting, custom switchgear and gauges, a banjo-style steering wheel (with appropriate ‘V8’ boss), The rear seats had been deleted to give extra room for modern bucket front seats

Whitewall tyres on the cream-painted factory steel wheels added a touch of class and complemented the engine bay, but our favourite feature was the ‘Old Pops Don’t Die, They Just Go Faster’ sticker on the rear window. In the case of this car, that’s 100% true!

For JUST CARS’ wrap on the 2021 All Ford Day, click HERE.