When did the first Ford Anglia come out?
The first Ford Anglia appeared in 1939, marking the start of Ford UK’s Anglia family car lineup before World War II. This article traces when it came out and how the Anglia lineage evolved through wartime, a postwar revival, and a mid-century reintroduction that helped define Ford’s small-car strategy in the UK.
Origins and 1939 debut
The Anglia name was introduced by Ford in the late 1930s as a compact family car for the British market. The 1939 model established the Anglia as a distinct line, but production was disrupted by World War II. After the war, Ford continued to build small cars under the Anglia name, shaping its reputation as an affordable, practical family vehicle in the UK.
Key characteristics of the original Anglia
The prewar Anglia featured styling and engineering typical of late-1930s Ford designs, prioritizing simplicity, reliability, and economical running costs for British families. Wartime conditions limited production, but the Anglia name endured in Ford’s lineup as production resumed in the late 1940s.
1959 revival: the Anglia 105E
A new generation revived the Anglia name in 1959 with the launch of the Anglia 105E, a modern, enterprising small car that became a staple of Ford’s UK offerings through the 1960s. The 105E signaled a shift to more contemporary styling and engineering for the Anglia line and helped Ford compete in a crowded market for affordable family cars.
Impact and production era of the 105E
The Anglia 105E established Ford’s reputation for practical motoring in postwar Britain, appealing to families and first-time buyers alike. It remained in production through the mid-1960s, contributing to Ford’s broader strategy of offering compact, economical options in Europe.
End of the Anglia line and legacy
In the late 1960s, Ford phased out the Anglia 105E in favor of newer designs, with the Ford Escort entering the lineup to fill the role of the practical small car. The Anglia name, while no longer a mainstay after this period, left a lasting imprint on Ford’s approach to affordable family transport in the UK.
Bottom line: the first Ford Anglia arrived in 1939, with a wartime pause and postwar continuation, followed by a mid-century revival in 1959 with the Anglia 105E, and its eventual replacement in the late 1960s by newer Ford models like the Escort.
Summary
The journey of the Ford Anglia begins with its 1939 debut, moves through a postwar revival, then reaches a mid-century peak with the 1959 Anglia 105E, before the line was phased out in favor of newer small-car designs in the late 1960s. The Anglia’s history reflects Ford’s response to British demand for practical, economical family transport across several decades.
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 |
What made the Ford Anglia unique?
It featured a distinctive, American- influenced “reverse rake” rear window and tail fins, setting it apart from the more staid designs of the time. Under the hood, the Anglia 105E introduced Ford's new 997cc overhead valve “Kent” engine, which offered improved performance and efficiency.
What replaced the Ford Anglia?
The Anglia name was applied to various models between 1939 and 1967. In total, 1,594,486 Anglias were produced. It was replaced by the Ford Escort.
How much was a Ford Anglia in 1965?
| Year | Standard Saloon | Super Saloon |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 - April | £514 2s 1d | £598 13s 9d |
| 1964 - October | £478 17s 1d | £575 10s 5d |
| 1965 - October | £491 15s 10d | £600 10s 10d |
| 1966 - October | £503 19s 2d | £614 11s 8d |
