What kind of Ford Anglia was used in Harry Potter?
The vehicle is a blue 1962 Ford Anglia 105E, transformed to fly for the Chamber of Secrets film.
This article examines the specific model used, how it was prepared for cinematic use, and why it became one of the franchise’s most recognizable props.
Model details and film usage
The production team selected a Ford Anglia 105E—built in the early 1960s—for its compact size and classic British look. The 105E designation denotes the generation of the Anglia, which fit the period setting of the story. The car was painted a distinctive Hogwarts-blue and equipped with modifications by the prop department to enable aerial maneuvers for stunt work. Filmmakers blended practical driving footage with visual effects to create the seamless flight sequences seen on screen.
Year and designation
The car is widely identified as a 1962 Ford Anglia 105E two-door model, a staple of early-1960s British automotive design. This specific generation was chosen for its authentic era appearance and manageable dimensions for the film’s rigging and stunts.
Role in the films
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the Anglia serves as a surprise mode of transportation when Harry and Ron borrow it to reach Hogwarts. The blue car becomes a memorable character in its own right, eventually colliding with the Whomping Willow on the grounds of the school.
Production and flying modifications
The flying sequences were produced through a hybrid approach: a real car on a controlled rig for some shots, supplemented by practical effects and computer-generated imagery to depict ascent, navigation, and descent. The result is a convincing blend that conveys the car’s magical propulsion without sacrificing practical on-set realism.
Legacy and public reception
Since its debut, the blue Ford Anglia has become an iconic symbol of the Harry Potter film series. It is frequently referenced in promotional material, memorabilia, and fan art, celebrated for blending nostalgic 1960s design with the franchise’s imaginative flight premise.
Summary
The prop used in the series is a blue 1962 Ford Anglia 105E, chosen for its period-appropriate look and adapted with both practical effects and CGI to perform the flying scenes that have endured in popular memory. Its legacy persists as one of the most recognizable and beloved elements of the early Harry Potter films.
