100E or 105E?

Q I’m in the market for a new car and was wondering whether to get a 100E or a 105E. Which would you recommend? Cedric Bartolo Email

A Both are great classic Fords, but if you are planning on keeping them standard, then the 105E is far easier to live with and drive. The 100E comes with a sidevalve engine and three-speed gearbox as standard, which takes some getting used to. Both cars feature drums all-round however, and if you buy a 997 Anglia, then you’ll end up with a nonsynchro, aka crash first gear, too.

If you’re looking on buying modified examples of either car, then it’s a much more level playing field, as the chances are high that the 100E will have been fitted with a different engine and hopefully, uprated running gear to suit. Choice then boils down to which one you prefer the look of.

Standard or modified, buying your first classic Ford can be a tricky experience, so it’s well worth taking someone along who’s familiar with these cars when you go to buy one. The owners’ clubs and forums will be able to help here.

We’ve run in-depth buying guides on the 100E and the 105E in the January 2016 and February 2018 issues, respectively – you can order these from our online shop — contact details to your left.