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If you want a cheap(ish) and relatively simple restoration project that will win smiles and friends wherever you go, a Ford Anglia has a lot going for it

The endlessly charming Anglia

The Ford Anglia 105E was quite a departure from the staid British postwar cars. It looked like no other small, mainstream car on British roads — or New Zealand roads for that matter — as it tapped into the exuberant fins and chrome of the jet-age cars pouring out of Detroit. Thanks to its cheesy wide smile grille and angled rear window — which prompted its ‘Angle box’ nickname — this charming and radical looking car became one of those cars that works for nearly everyone in every era.

“It’s just such a cool-looking car. Everything about Ford’s design looks great: the overall shape and, of course, that back-slanting rear window,” says Anglia fanatic Brendon Hibbs.

It makes an interesting comparison with Citroën’s Ami 6, which is charming in a very different way.

The Anglia 105E, and later 123E, also sported a whizz-bang monocoque chassis and the choice of either the plucky Kent 997cc or 1198cc fourcylinder engine. That zany reverse slant rear window allowed this titchy car to

sit four adults comfortably, even though there was no space for any other creature comforts.

“You could say it was Ford’s Mini,” says long-time Anglia owner John Tait. “When my brother and I were younger, he bought a Mini, and I bought an Anglia. We would often compare notes on fuel economy and performance.”

Anglias were a common sight on Kiwi roads. However, according to Anglia owner Winston Saxton, seeing a well-maintained original Anglia purring along some New Zealand blacktop is almost a spooky encounter these days.

“Today, it seems to be a case of survival of the few. You just can’t seem to find them, and, if you do find one, chances are it won’t be completely standard. Buying an Anglia which is all original is getting more and more difficult,” he says.

A big reason for this is the sheer number of cheap and cheerful examples that were ruthlessly converted to race cars of different stripes. The Anglia’s monocoque construction and lightweight body made it an ideal platform for going racing.

“The Anglia made for a great track car, but a number of cars have been bashed and crashed over the years,” says Brendon.

“You can find race cars and have them converted back to standard, but this is not an easy task,” explains Winston.

Another reason for their rarity today can be traced to the implacable nemesis of many old cars: rust. Corrosion killed off many an Anglia in the past, when they were so plentiful and cheap they simply weren’t worth saving.

So, now, demand is greatly outgrowing supply. Prices had been rising slowly, according to Brendon, but the pace is picking up.

“I recently sold three rolling shells with no chrome for $2000 apiece. Today, I reckon an Anglia in rough

"You just can't seem to find them, and if you do find one, chances are it won't be completely standard"

"I learned to drive in an Anglia. I met my wife in an Anglia. I married my wife in an Anglia, and I taught my wife to drive in my Anglia"

condition is up to $10K. Compare that to my last road-legal one six years ago, which was bought for $3500. Today a minter is anywhere from $10,000 to $20,00, which is big money, but try and find another one,” he says.

Winston thinks you can still get an average Anglia for a bit less, but buyers should definitely budget the potential cost of restoration.

“You could be paying $5000 to $6000 for an average one these days. These cars are getting rarer all the time, so if you want to get one, you might have to pay more than you thought. If you buy something real rough, it’s the cost of restoring it you have to be aware of,” he tells us.

Whether a Deluxe or Super, keen buyers today may just have to make do with whatever they can find. However, as we have said before, rust should be the first thing you check for.

“If they haven’t been looked after, chances are there is rust,” says John.

“The biggest parts for rust are the floor and sills. Around the bottom of both doors is terrible for rust, and the number of floors I have replaced with my cars is considerable,” says Brendon.

This is confirmed by Winston. “Check underneath, look around the front, check the floors and the doors for rust,” he says.

Mechanically, the Anglia’s 997cc or 1198cc four-pots are quite strong.

“The 997cc is a good wee engine; most of the cars that came to New Zealand were 997s. You can tick along at around 60kph quite nicely,” says Winston.

Brendon agrees. “The 997ccs are good motors and generally pretty bulletproof so no real worries there, but the 1200 Super is the more sought-after motor. A New Zealand–built Anglia also has drum brakes all around, whereas those in the UK had discs up front like the Escort.”

So, what does the future hold for the Anglebox?

“Prices are definitely appreciating, and I reckon a mint 1200 Super could well be worth up to $30K in the future,” muses Brendon.

The Ford Anglia 105E is one of those quintessentially British classics that burrows into our hearts and triggers plenty of happy motoring memories.

“I learned to drive in an Anglia. I met my wife in an Anglia. I married my wife in an Anglia, and I taught my wife to drive in my Anglia,” beams John.

So, if you want to make some memories in an Anglia of your own, grab one before all the reasonably priced ones do a Harry Potter magic disappearing act.