(1959-67) ANGLIA 105E AND 123E
Whether you’re attracted by its Fifties cool nostalgia factor or limitless tuning potential, the Anglia guarantees buyers a lot of Ford for their money
ntroduced to replace Ford’s ancient ‘sit up and beg’ Popular 103E, as well as the sidevalve Anglia/Prefect 100E, the Anglia 105E was incredibly modern in comparison. Ford marketed the Anglia
– with its unitary construction, reverse-rake rear window and all-new overhead-valve ‘Kent’ engine – as the ‘dream car you’ll learn to love for the thrill of
Isheer pleasure’. Now you can enjoy your dose of that sheer pleasure from as little as £3000. While the Anglia was designed for economy family motoring rather than whiteknuckle thrills, it holds huge appeal as a classic for a multitude of reasons. As well as the obvious nostalgia factor, the Anglia’s free-revving engine provides plenty of zip, even if it is no sports car. Add light steering and a fabulously compliant ride to the mix and the Anglia offers comfort with plenty of driving appeal.
Few Anglia owners cover many miles nowadays, but go for a 997cc car (the 105E) if your focus is reliability; the 1198cc engine in the 123E (introduced in 1962) isn’t as long-lived. 105Es are more plentiful than 123Es, but there’s no difference in values between the two. However, the bigger engine has a fair bit more poke, came with an all-synchromesh gearbox and has bigger brakes – although the later gearbox and stronger anchors can be retro-fitted to a 105E.
The Deluxe and Super are the most numerous (the latter was the top of the range), and they’re also the ones to go for because the Standard is a bit Spartan inside.
‘The Anglia’s free-revving Kent engines provide plenty of zip’