What replaced the Ford Anglia?
The Ford Anglia was replaced by the Ford Escort Mk1 in 1968, marking Ford's shift to a newer, more modern small-car lineup for the UK market.
In this article, we explore the replacement, the timeline behind the transition, and how the Escort reshaped Ford UK's compact-car strategy in Europe.
Historical context
The Anglia 105E family debuted in 1959 as Ford's mainstream small car in Britain. Its rounded, simple styling and approachable price point made it a staple for postwar buyers, but by the late 1960s Ford was ready to refresh its small-car portfolio with a more contemporary solution.
Anglia 105E at a glance
Understanding the 105E's place in Ford's lineup helps explain why management opted to move on to a new model family. The Anglia offered economical transportation with broad appeal, but its design and engineering dated quickly as market tastes evolved.
The replacement timeline
Below is a concise timeline showing the transition from Anglia to Escort, which captures the headline shift in Ford's strategy.
- The Anglia 105E production ended in 1967 as Ford prepared a next-generation small car.
- Ford launched the Escort Mk1 in 1968, introducing a fresh design and packaging aimed at a broader market.
- Over the following years, the Escort established itself as Ford's primary family car in Europe, gradually phasing out the Anglia from most markets.
The timeline highlights a deliberate move by Ford to modernize its small-car lineup and respond to changing buyer preferences in the late 1960s.
Why the Escort replaced the Anglia
Industry observers point to several strategic reasons behind the replacement, including a cleaner, more modern design language, updated engineering and manufacturing efficiency, and a packaging layout that better suited family use and evolving safety expectations.
- Fresh styling and a more contemporary appearance aligned with 1960s design trends.
- New engineering and platform approaches that allowed broader engine choices and easier production.
- Improved interior space and practicality for families and everyday use.
- Enhanced safety and handling features that reflected evolving regulatory expectations.
These factors collectively underpinned Ford's decision to retire the Anglia and establish the Escort as the brand's new standard-bearer in the small-car segment.
Legacy and beyond
While the Anglia is remembered as a transitional model in Ford's history, the Escort lineage continued to evolve through successive generations, shaping Ford's approach to compact cars for decades. The emphasis on modern design, flexible packaging, and scalable engineering can be traced back to this pivotal shift away from the Anglia era.
In popular culture, the Anglia remains celebrated for its role in the 1960s British motoring scene and, decades later, for its association with the flying car in a popular film franchise, a testament to the model's lasting place in automotive memory.
Summary
The Ford Anglia was replaced by the Ford Escort Mk1 in 1968, signaling Ford's move toward a newer, more modern small-car platform in the UK. The Escort delivered refreshed styling, updated engineering, and improved packaging, laying the groundwork for Ford's continued success in the European compact-car segment for years to come.
Summary: The replacement of the Anglia was the Escort Mk1, a turning point for Ford's small-car strategy in Britain and Europe, with a lasting impact on subsequent generations of compact models.
When did they stop making Ford Anglia?
November 1967
In March 1965, the use of the Thames name was discontinued, and from that time, all Anglia-based vans were marketed as Ford Anglias. Production ended in November 1967 with a total of 205,001 vans having been produced.
What was the last British Ford?
The Zephyr was the last car to be independently designed by Ford of Britain; closer integration with Ford-Werke of Cologne had already started with both the Transit and Escort, and the replacement Consul/Granada would be a genuine pan-European effort.
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.
How many Ford Anglia are left on the road?
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 |
