Ford Anglia 105E

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Launched at the same time as the Mini and Triumph Herald, Ford’s new small car offering for 1959 was the Anglia 105E.

Although it was hardly in the same mould-breaking category as the Mini, the Anglia was bang up to date in terms of styling, its most recognisable feature being the ‘reverse slope’ rear window which, together with the car’s pointed tail fins, made it quite striking.

Ford had finally seen sense and had ditched the pre-war-designed side-valve engine and replaced it with a new overhead-valve 997cc unit mated to a new 4-speed gearbox. Production continued until the arrival of the Escort in 1967 with over one million Anglias sold, and it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity of late thanks to appearances in the Harry Potter films.

According to its original bill of sale, this smart example was delivered new through Norman Reeves Ltd of Uxbridge in 1965. Costing the first owner £534 9s 6d, Purbeck Grey was the chosen colour and it was thankfully specified with the optional heater. It returned to the supplying dealer for servicing until 1968 by which time it had covered 5,700 miles according to the accompanying service book and invoices.

Numerous bills on file show that by 1977 the mileage had increased to 10,964 and in 1996 the odometer was showing 40,725 miles, its run of no fewer than 46 old MOTs leading the vendor to believe that the current indicated mileage of 54,500 miles is almost certainly correct.

Since purchasing the car through a classic car dealer in 2014, the vendor has undergone a series of improvements which have included fitting electronic ignition, halogen headlights, chrome wheel covers, new carpets and fresh rubber seals to the quarter lights, windscreen, rear windows and driver and passenger door windows. He also had the car repainted in the correct shade of grey and fitted a glove-box lid from the more upmarket Prefect model. A man who is keen on his gadgets, he has also upgraded the Radiomobile radio with an iPod connection.

Reluctantly on offer due to illness in the family, this smart, original, low-mileage Anglia is ready for immediate use having just flown though an MOT which expires in April 2017.

AMENDMENT: The radio is manufactured by PYE.