What is a Ford Anglia?
The Ford Anglia is a small British family car produced by Ford in the 1950s and 1960s, best known today for its two main generations (the 100E and the 105E) and for its iconic appearance as a flying car in the Harry Potter films.
Origins and generations
Detailing the Anglia's development shows how Ford UK built a practical, affordable car for postwar Britain and evolved it across two defining generations.
First generation: 100E (1953–1959)
Launched in the mid-1950s, the 100E established the Anglia as Ford's entry-level family car for the British market, emphasizing practicality and value for money in a rebuilding economy.
Second generation: 105E (1959–1967)
The 105E brought a more modern look and refreshed interior, helping Ford stay competitive in the growing small-car segment and paving the way for later Anglia variants.
Key milestones in the Anglia's development are summarized below in order, highlighting what changed with each generation.
- Ford Anglia 100E (1953–1959): A simple two- or four-door family car that helped rebuild Ford UK's small-car portfolio after World War II; it introduced the Anglia name into production.
- Ford Anglia 105E (1959–1967): A more modern design with updated styling and interior, widely popular in Britain and exported to other markets; it included a later estate version and contributed to the Anglia's enduring recognition.
The two generations illustrate Ford's strategy to deliver affordable, practical transportation during the postwar era and into the 1960s.
Design and engineering
The Anglia's hallmark was its compact footprint and simple four-cylinder engines, designed for reliability and low running costs. It offered two- and four-door saloons and, in the 105E era, an estate variant for families and small businesses. Interiors prioritized practicality with straightforward controls and roomy space relative to its class.
Styling and tech details
Over its life, the Anglia adopted conventional 1950s–1960s styling cues, with Ford's practical silhouette and a straightforward grille. The 105E era introduced more modern lines and an updated interior to match evolving market tastes.
In popular culture and legacy
The Ford Anglia's legacy extends beyond sales figures, most famously featuring in the Harry Potter film series. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), a blue 1960 Anglia is enchanted to fly, helping shape the car's enduring image as a whimsical and iconic British vehicle. The Anglia remains a favorite at car shows, in museums, and among restorers, representing a distinct era of mid-20th-century British motoring.
Harry Potter connection
The flying Anglia scene helped cement the model in popular culture, contributing to its recognition among both classic-car enthusiasts and fans of the fantasy series.
Where to see and how to own
Today, Ford Anglias appear in vintage car shows, museums, and private collections around the world. Restoration shops in the UK and Europe offer parts and expertise for surviving examples, while collectors typically seek cars with period-correct styling and documentation.
Summary
The Ford Anglia represents a pivotal chapter in Britain's postwar automotive history: a small, affordable family car built by Ford UK across two key generations (100E and 105E) that combined practicality with evolving design. Its lasting footprint extends from daily transport in its era to a lasting cultural icon, highlighted by the famed flying car in the Harry Potter films. Today, it remains a cherished subject for enthusiasts, historians, and museum visitors alike.
How many Ford Anglias are left?
Quarterly number of vehicles licensed or SORN
| Quarter | Licensed | SORN |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Q1 | 2.3k | 1.2k |
| 2021 Q4 | 2.3k | 1.2k |
| 2021 Q3 | 2.3k | 1.2k |
| 2021 Q2 | 2.3k | 1.2k |
Is a Ford Anglia a real car?
The Ford Anglia is a small family car that was designed and manufactured by Ford UK. It is related to the Ford Prefect and the later Ford Popular. The Anglia name was applied to various models between 1939 and 1967. In total, 1,594,486 Anglias were produced.
What is the difference between a Ford Anglia and a Ford Popular?
The Popular 103E differed visually from the Anglia E494E in having smaller headlights and a lack of trim on the side of the bonnet. Early 103Es had the three spoke banjo type Anglia/Prefect steering wheel as stocks of these were used up, but most have a two spoke wheel similar to the 100E wheel but in brown.
What is the Ford Anglia in Harry Potter?
This is the actual Ford Anglia 105E that was once owned by Arthur Weasley. It used to be a standard Ford Anglia until Mr Weasley enchanted it making it able to fly, become invisible to Muggles and to carry his entire family despite its modest size. The car has been stolen by his son Ron on a number of occasions.
