Thanks to Patrick in Canada for these photo, according to him:

"The photo is a very genuine picture of the very first Mk 2 Consul Hand Built Prototype taken in late 1955 (October I believe) just before cold weather testing in central Europe.  The publicity photos were taken before the cars got soiled.  I have supporting documentation from a pre-production Press Kit that I purchased from a collector."

Prototype Consul:

Prototype Zephyr:

Prototype Zodiac:

"These articles are dated Dec 1955 and confirm that the first Mk 2 Consuls
were available with Overdrive.  I sent a copy of these articles to Michael
Allen the Author (about 7 years ago) and he confirmed that very early Mk 2's
may have been painted in Mk 1 colours."

• Suggested Press Release by Ford, not to be released before 21st February 1956.

• Brief Specification, body and interior trim combinations, list of standard and optional equipment.