Ford Anglia 105E Super
The Ford Anglia 105E holds a special place in British automotive and cultural history. Introduced in 1959, it was Ford of Britain's answer to the BMC Mini and represented a significant modernization of the company's small car range. Its distinctive reverse-raked rear window, inspired by American styling trends of the late 1950s, gave the car an immediately recognizable silhouette that remains iconic six decades later.
The 105E designation referred to the engine type: a brand-new overhead-valve Kent engine displacing 997cc initially and later enlarged to 1,198cc in the 1200 Super variant. This was a massive improvement over the sidevalve engine used in the preceding 100E Anglia, providing significantly more power and a much more willing character. The engine featured an overSquare design that revved freely and responded well to tuning, characteristics that made it enormously popular in club motorsport.
The Anglia's body design was penned by Ford of Britain's chief stylist Colin Neale, with input from the American parent company. The reverse-raked rear window was the most controversial element, with some observers initially puzzled by the unusual treatment. Ford claimed it reduced rear window soiling and prevented rain accumulation, though the primary motivation was styling distinction. Whatever the rationale, the design gave the Anglia an unmistakable identity on the road.
The Super variant, introduced later in the production run, added the larger 1,198cc engine producing 48 horsepower, along with additional equipment including a heater (previously an option), improved interior trim, and a more comprehensive instrument panel. While 48 horsepower seems modest by modern standards, the Anglia's light weight of just 737 kg meant it was genuinely sprightly in urban driving and could maintain motorway speeds comfortably.
The Anglia proved enormously popular in motorsport, particularly in budget-friendly club racing categories. Its lightweight body, willing engine, and rear-wheel-drive layout made it an ideal platform for both circuit racing and rallying. Modified Anglias with larger Kent engines, Weber carburetors, and uprated suspension were a common sight at British race meetings throughout the 1960s and remain popular in historic racing today.
Over 1 million Anglias were produced during the model's eight-year production run, making it one of Ford of Britain's greatest sales successes. The car served as everyday transport for a generation of British families and gave countless young drivers their first experience behind the wheel.
The Anglia's most unexpected claim to fame came decades after production ended, when a turquoise 105E was cast as the Weasley family's flying car in the Harry Potter films. This cultural moment introduced the Anglia to an entirely new generation and sparked renewed interest in the model among collectors. Today, good original examples command respectable prices, while competition-prepared cars remain staples of historic motorsport.
Rust is the primary concern with any Anglia. Check floor pans, sills, inner wings, and boot floor thoroughly. The Kent engine is robust and parts are readily available. Ensure the gearbox shifts cleanly, especially into 2nd gear. The Super is the most desirable standard variant. Verify that the distinctive rear window and its surrounding frame are in good condition, as replacements are scarce. Many surviving cars have been modified for motorsport.
Total production exceeded 1,083,960 units from 1959 to 1967, making the 105E one of Britain's best-selling cars of the 1960s. The initial 997cc engine was supplemented by the 1,198cc version from 1962. Assembly was at Ford's Dagenham plant in Essex. The Anglia was also produced in kit form for assembly in various markets worldwide.