What year did the Ford Anglia come out?
The Ford Anglia first appeared in 1939; the best-known modern version, the Anglia 105E, was introduced in 1959.
Across decades, the Anglia name signified Ford's compact British family car, evolving through postwar redesigns and a midcentury revival that remains an icon of 1960s motoring. This article traces the Anglia’s origins, the landmark 105E generation, and why the name persists in memory.
Origins and early history
A concise look at where the Anglia started and how it evolved into the postwar era.
Key milestones in the Anglia's early history are summarized below.
- 1939: The Ford Anglia name is introduced in Britain for a compact family car, establishing the early lineage.
- Late 1940s to early 1950s: The Anglia line receives updates as Ford modernizes postwar designs.
- 1959: The Anglia 105E is launched, becoming the defining postwar Anglia and a staple of British roads.
These milestones show how the Anglia evolved from a prewar concept into a widely recognized postwar family car.
The iconic Anglia 105E era
The 105E was a dramatic redesign that helped anchor the Anglia’s place in British automotive history, introducing styling cues and practicality that influenced its generation through the 1960s.
Naming and common references
Readers often encounter terms like “Anglia” and “105E” used together or interchangeably. The 105E designation refers specifically to the 1959–1967 model line, while “Anglia” is the broader name used for the related family cars across the era.
These distinctions matter for understanding catalog entries, restorations, and historical references.
Key facts about the 105E era:
- Introduced: 1959 (model year 1959).
- Production end: 1967, as Ford transitioned to newer designs.
- Cultural footprint: The 105E remains a cultural touchstone, notably appearing in popular media such as the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, where Harry Potter’s transport is a blue Anglia 105E.
Together, these points capture why the 105E is the era most people recall when they think of the Ford Anglia.
Summary
The Ford Anglia name first surfaced in 1939, with the most famous postwar version, the Anglia 105E, arriving in 1959 and running through the mid-to-late 1960s. The line’s enduring legacy rests on distinctive styling, practical design, and a lasting presence in film and popular culture.
