RESTORE OR MODIFY?

If you’re after a particular car to restore, then you have no choice than to buy whatever comes up. This Anglia is a classic case — it’s a genuine Courier van, and one of only a handful left. However, it’s also had an attempt at modifying it, but the only true option with this car is to restore it as it’s so rare.Yes, it’ll be hard to replace that front sheet metal, but that’s the easy bit compared to the ultra-rare back half of the car. Plus, the rest of the missing parts are stored inside waiting to be refitted. This is a classic case of restore it rather than customise it.

Having said all this, you could subtly modify the car in such away that it can be returned to standard — and the Anglia is an excellent candidate for bolt-on goodies. Kits are now available to do the same for early Cortinas, Escorts of course, and to an extent, the Consul, Zephyr, Zodiac range, too.