What Ford Anglia was used in Harry Potter?
The flying car featured in the Harry Potter films is a 1962 Ford Anglia 105E, used by the Weasley family for the pivotal escape scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
In the Chamber of Secrets adaptation, a beloved family car from the Weasley clan becomes a magical escape vessel, enabling Harry and Ron to reach Hogwarts after a perilous encounter at the Dursleys’ home. This article identifies the exact model, explains how it was prepared for flight, and shares notable production and cultural details about the Anglia in the franchise.
Model and On-Screen Role
The car used in the film is a 1962 Ford Anglia 105E. It plays a central on-screen role as the Weasleys’ flying vehicle, enabling Harry and Ron to flee the Dursleys and travel toward Hogwarts in a sequence that blends whimsy with danger.
Production and Performance Notes
For the flying scenes, the production paired practical rigging with computer-generated effects to depict the Anglia in flight. Real Anglia cars were repurposed for the film, then enhanced with stunt work and visual effects to portray takeoffs, flight, and landing while maintaining the character’s recognizable design.
Two or more Anglia models were used by the production to cover different camera angles and stunt requirements, with extensive modifications to support the film’s flight sequences, lighting, and safety rigging. The result is a distinctive cinematic vehicle that remains one of the franchise’s standout icons.
These details reflect a broader approach in the Harry Potter films of combining practical props with later CGI to realize magical moments on screen, a technique that helped give the Anglia its memorable presence in popular culture.
Below is a concise set of facts about the car used in the film.
- Model and year: 1962 Ford Anglia 105E
- On-screen role: the Weasleys’ flying car, used to reach Hogwarts during the film’s flight sequence
- Production approach: modified for flight with practical rigging and CGI enhancements for the flying scenes
- Legacy: has become an enduring symbol of the Harry Potter franchise and a popular subject of prompts for replicas and museum displays
The flying scenes combined practical effects with CGI to depict the Anglia in flight, including takes over the countryside and near the Forbidden Forest. Production teams sourced real Anglia cars and repainted and modified them to suit the film’s needs, creating a lasting visual signature for the franchise.
Additional Context and Cultural Impact
Beyond its role in the storyline, the Ford Anglia 105E from Harry Potter has become a cultural touchstone, celebrated by fans through model kits, cosplay, and exhibits. Its image encapsulates the quirky blend of whimsy and danger that characterizes the magical world, and it frequently appears in retrospectives about the filming of the early 2000s movies.
Summary
In short, the Ford Anglia used in the Harry Potter films is a 1962 Ford Anglia 105E, repurposed and modified to perform as the Weasleys’ flying car in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The car’s screen presence—achieved through a mix of practical stunts and digital effects—helped cement its status as one of the franchise’s most enduring symbols. Its legacy continues to captivate fans and influence depictions of magical transportation in popular culture.
