How many Ford Anglias were used in Harry Potter?
The flying Ford Anglia that charmed fans in the Harry Potter series came from a practical filming setup rather than a single, dedicated flying vehicle. Two Ford Anglias were used in the production of the Chamber of Secrets to capture the iconic escape sequence.
The count and the roles
Two Anglia cars were deployed on set to cover different filming needs, ensuring both action shots and close-ups could be captured safely.
- Two Ford Anglia 105E cars were used for the Chamber of Secrets sequences where Harry and Ron escape Hogwarts in a flying car.
- One car was primarily employed for exterior flight shots, while the other handled interior work and close-ups where the interior detail mattered.
- Both vehicles were extensively modified with rigging and special effects to simulate flight, augmented by post-production work.
- The cars were real-life vehicles sourced for the film, then adapted for the fantasy sequences rather than using a single, fully built flying car.
In short, the production relied on two Anglias to achieve the iconic flying-car moments from different camera angles and safety considerations.
Model details and modifications
The Anglias used were real 1959 Ford Anglia 105E models. They were altered with stunt rigging, glasswork, and control mechanisms to create the illusion of flight while being operated by stunt drivers and puppeteers behind the scenes.
Post-production and legacy
After filming, the vehicles' on-screen life and any surviving components have become part of Harry Potter lore, with fans and memorabilia collectors sometimes seeking information about the prop cars and their fate.
These facts illustrate why two vehicles were used: to manage flight shots and close-ups while maintaining safety and continuity across takes.
Summary
The flying Ford Anglia in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets involved two separate Anglia cars, each serving different filming needs—exterior flight shots and interior/close-ups—built on a real 1959 Anglia 105E platform. This dual-vehicle approach helped production achieve the scene convincingly and safely.
