CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Ford Prefect

Ford Prefect — 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 2-door tourer 2-door drophead coupé 2-door van (australia) 2-door coupé utility (australia) 2-door roadster utility (australia), 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Ford Prefect
Engine1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine
Transmission3-speed manual

About the Ford Prefect

Ford Prefect is a 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 2-door tourer 2-door drophead coupé 2-door van (Australia) 2-door coupé utility (Australia) 2-door roadster utility (Australia) in the sedan class. The available vehicle data lists 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed manual. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Ford Prefect guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine and 3-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Ford Prefect specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Ford
Model Prefect
Model years Not specified
Body style 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 2-door tourer 2-door drophead coupé 2-door van (Australia) 2-door coupé utility (Australia) 2-door roadster utility (Australia)
Vehicle class sedan
Manufacturer Ford UKFord Australia
Production 1938–1961
Market / country FI, GB, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Ford Prefect includes 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine.. Transmission information includes 3-speed manual.

Engine 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine
Transmission 3-speed manual

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 87 in (2,210 mm)
Length 151 in (3,835 mm)
Width 61 in (1,549 mm)
Height 63.5 in (1,613 mm)
Kerb / curb weight 1845 lb (837 kg)

Ford Prefect other specifications

Name Ford Prefect
Image 1948 Ford Prefect E93A.jpg
Caption 1948 Ford Prefect E93A Saloon

Ford Prefect generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
Ford Prefect 1938–1961 Not specified Not specified Not specified
Ford Prefect E93A 1938–1949 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine 3-speed manual Not specified
Ford Prefect E03A 1939–1945 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine Not specified Not specified
Ford Prefect A53A 1946–1948 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine Not specified Not specified
Ford Prefect E493A 1949–1953 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine 3-speed manual Not specified
Ford Prefect A493A 1949–1953 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine Not specified Not specified
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Ford Prefect

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear
Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 32 PSI 30 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 34 PSI 33 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Ford Prefect

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Ford Prefect have?
The available source data lists the Ford Prefect engine as 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve engine. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Ford Prefect?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Ford Prefect?
There is no single best engine oil for every Ford Prefect configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Ford Prefect?
The Ford Prefect is classified as a 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 2-door tourer 2-door drophead coupé 2-door van (Australia) 2-door coupé utility (Australia) 2-door roadster utility (Australia).
What are the dimensions of the Ford Prefect?
The available source data lists length 151 in (3,835 mm), width 61 in (1,549 mm), height 63.5 in (1,613 mm), and wheelbase 87 in (2,210 mm).
What transmission does the Ford Prefect have?
The available source data lists 3-speed manual transmission options for the Ford Prefect.
Who makes the Ford Prefect?
The manufacturer listed for the Ford Prefect is Ford UKFord Australia.
When was the Ford Prefect produced?
The available source data describes production as 1938–1961.
How much does the Ford Prefect weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1845 lb (837 kg). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Ford Prefect built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: DagenhamAustralia: Geelong.
What class of car is the Ford Prefect?
The Ford Prefect is listed in the sedan class.
Which markets or countries sold the Ford Prefect?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Ford Prefect with FI, GB, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the Ford Prefect?
The available vehicle data lists Ford Consul Classic as a successor where applicable.
What replaced the Ford Prefect?
The available vehicle data lists Ford Consul Classic as the successor where applicable.
What cars are related to the Ford Prefect?
The available source data identifies related models as Ford AngliaFord Popular. Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Ford Prefect?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Ford Prefect?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Ford Prefect is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.
Can the Ford Prefect have different tire pressures front and rear?
Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.
Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Ford Prefect?
Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.