What kind of Ford was in Harry Potter?
The vehicle in question is a blue Ford Anglia 105E, the magical flying car used by the Weasley family in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This real-world model, paired with wizarding enchantments, has become one of the franchise’s most recognizable icons.
Model and origins
The Ford Anglia 105E was a real British compact car produced by Ford from 1959 through the early 1960s. In the Harry Potter novels and films, the Weasley family owns a blue Anglia that Arthur Weasley enchantingly modifies to fly, giving it the ability to take off, maneuver, and travel between locations far beyond ordinary Muggle automobiles. The pairing of a classic 1960s car with magical technology created a distinctive, instantly recognizable prop within the series.
In-story role and significance
The Anglia serves as a crucial plot device in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. When Harry and Ron miss the Hogwarts Express, they borrow the Weasleys’ car and set off to Hogwarts, hoping to reach the school in time. The flying Ford Anglia carries them through the sky, crashes into the Whomping Willow on the grounds, and ultimately vanishes into the Forbidden Forest. The scene cemented the Anglia’s place in Potter lore as both a source of wonder and a reminder of the cost of magical improvisation.
Key moments involving the Ford Anglia in the story include:
- The car’s first appearance as a flying vehicle capable of long-distance travel.
- The dramatic crash into the Whomping Willow near Hogwarts.
- The car’s departure into the Forbidden Forest after the incident, leaving a lasting impression on readers and viewers.
These moments showcase the blend of real-world automotive history with fantasy storytelling that defines the series’ visual language.
Production notes and cultural impact
In the films, the blue Ford Anglia 105E was a practical prop augmented with special effects to depict flight. The choice to use a distinctive, vintage British car helped anchor the magical elements in a tangible, recognizable object. Over the years, the Anglia has endured as a fan favorite, appearing in merchandise, cosplay, and celebrations of the franchise’s early cinema magic. Its image has helped spark renewed interest in classic Anglia models among car enthusiasts and Potter fans alike.
Beyond the movies, the Ford Anglia has entered popular culture as a symbol of adventurous mischief and the Weasleys’ resourcefulness. The combination of a real, endearing vehicle with a fantasy twist remains a notable example of how props can shape a fictional universe’s identity.
Summary
The question centers on a blue Ford Anglia 105E—an actual 1959–1962 British car—enchanted by Arthur Weasley to fly for the Weasley family's use in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Anglia’s airborne adventures, its crash near Hogwarts, and its subsequent disappearance into the Forbidden Forest have made it one of the series’ most enduring symbols, blending real-world automotive charm with magical invention. Its enduring appeal lies in how a familiar, beloved car becomes a gateway to extraordinary events within J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.
Further reading and context
For readers and viewers interested in deeper context, explore how the Ford Anglia fits into the broader theme of Muggle artifacts meeting wizarding technology in the Harry Potter series, and how production design choices contributed to the franchise’s distinctive visual language.
How much is a Ford Anglia worth?
In average condition, a Ford Anglia is worth £8,090. What is the most expensive Ford Anglia to sell in history publicly? The most expensive Ford Anglia to sell in history was sold for £38,819.
Is 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 was the Ford in Harry Potter?
1960 Ford Anglia 105E
The 1960 Ford Anglia 105E featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Enchanted by Ron Weasley's father Arthur, the car could fly, become invisible, and never run out of fuel. In the latter stages of the movie, the Anglia rescued Harry and Ron from Aragog and his family in the Forbidden Forest.
Was the Ford Anglia sold in the US?
In the spring of 1948, Ford began to import the Anglia, Prefect and Thames vans (1/4-ton and 1/2-ton versions) to the U.S. and Canada under the banner "North American Sales and Service" or N.A.S.S. They were sold at selected Ford dealers across North America right along side cars and trucks made in the states.
