It seems incredible that cars as iconic as the big Mk2 Fords were in production for only six years from 1956-62. During that time 682,400 were built, which compares well with sales of Austin and Vauxhall competitors of the day. It isn't easy to make direct comparisons between all of these because Ford's competitors changed their models in different years, and after the introduction of Vauxhall's F-type Victor in 1957, only the six-cylinder engine was offered in the larger Vauxhall bodies. Austin offered two distinct models with the smaller Cambridge and bigger Westminster, while Humber and Rover offered four and six-cylinder versions of essentially similar cars, but did not compete on price with the Fords, both being rather more luxurious.
The new Fords were developed from the very successful Mk1 models with new, larger bodies and enlarged engines. Power rose from 47bhp to 59bhp on the four-cylinderin frontal area and greater weight, and all models were around 8mph faster overall and 3 or 4 seconds quicker to 60mph. Higher final drive ratios meant that economy wasn't greatly affected.
