The Ford Anglia is one of the most iconic small cars ever produced by the Ford Motor Company.
It is known for its distinctive design, compact size, and significant contribution to the automotive landscape in various countries, including Australia.
First introduced in the late 1930s, the Anglia underwent several redesigns before it became a prominent choice for Australian drivers during its production years. From its early models to the more refined iterations, the Ford Anglia gained a solid reputation for being affordable, reliable, and practical for families, businesses, and everyday use.
1. Introduction to the Ford Anglia
The Ford Anglia was initially launched in the United Kingdom in 1939, with a design aimed at providing affordable transportation to a broad segment of the population. It quickly found favor in Britain and was seen as a compact and budget-friendly option in the face of the larger and more expensive vehicles available at the time. Over the years, the Anglia’s popularity spread to other markets, and it was eventually introduced in Australia.
In Australia, the Ford Anglia was sold in various forms and gained attention for its stylish design and practicality. The model was offered in sedan and station wagon versions, and it appealed to a wide range of customers due to its compact size, fuel efficiency, and relatively low cost of ownership. It was especially popular with families looking for a budget-friendly vehicle and businesses that needed a reliable workhorse for deliveries.
2. The Ford Anglia in Australia: Early Days and Market Introduction
a. The First Ford Anglia in Australia (1939-1948)
The Ford Anglia first arrived in Australia in 1939, just before World War II. Its arrival coincided with a period when the Australian car market was starting to evolve, and the demand for smaller, more affordable cars was beginning to rise. The initial models sold in Australia were primarily imported from the UK, and they featured similar designs to the European counterparts.
However, World War II disrupted the automotive industry, and production was limited during the war years. Despite this, the Ford Anglia continued to maintain a presence in the Australian market, largely due to its popularity as a small and economical vehicle for the average consumer.
Key Specifications (1939-1948)
- Engine: 933cc inline-4
- Transmission: 3-speed manual
- Power Output: Approximately 30 hp
- Top Speed: 100 km/h
- Length: 3,596 mm
- Width: 1,524 mm
- Height: 1,450 mm
- Curb Weight: 600 kg
The early Ford Anglia models had a distinctive look, with a rounded front end and a simple, no-frills interior. The car was appreciated for its reliability and efficiency, which made it a favourite with those looking for an affordable car for short trips around town and beyond.
3. The Post-War Ford Anglia (1948-1959)
a. The Second-Generation Anglia (1948-1959)
After the war, Ford reintroduced the Anglia to the Australian market in 1948, with significant updates to its design. The second-generation Anglia was slightly larger and more refined than the pre-war models, with a more modern body style that incorporated features inspired by contemporary automotive design trends.
During this period, the Ford Anglia was sold in Australia as a sedan, with the introduction of a station wagon variant later in the 1950s. The car continued to feature a small, efficient engine, which appealed to the Australian market as people looked for more affordable and fuel-efficient transportation options. It was also during this era that Ford Australia began to assemble the Anglia locally, which helped to reduce costs and improve the car’s availability in the market.
Key Specifications (1948-1959)
- Engine: 1,172cc inline-4
- Transmission: 3-speed manual
- Power Output: 36 hp
- Top Speed: 105 km/h
- Length: 3,711 mm
- Width: 1,635 mm
- Height: 1,465 mm
- Curb Weight: 675 kg
This generation of the Anglia was popular for its combination of practicality, low maintenance costs, and relatively smooth driving experience. The car was appreciated by families, as well as those looking for an affordable and reliable car for commuting.
4. The Ford Anglia 105E (1959-1968)
a. The Introduction of the 105E Anglia (1959)
The 1959 Ford Anglia marked a major redesign and was officially dubbed the Anglia 105E. This version is one of the most well-known and iconic in the car’s history, primarily due to its more modern look and the inclusion of new engineering elements. The Anglia 105E’s design was more streamlined and featured a distinctive rear window, which became a hallmark of the model.
The car was powered by a more advanced 997cc inline-4 engine, which offered improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors. It was a popular choice for families and young drivers who appreciated the car’s affordability and practicality.
b. Ford Anglia 105E in Australia
In Australia, the Anglia 105E quickly gained popularity for its efficiency and compact size. It was offered in both sedan and station wagon versions, and its small engine made it an ideal vehicle for city driving and long-distance trips. Ford Australia continued to assemble the Anglia locally, making it more affordable for Australian buyers. The Anglia 105E also played a key role in the growth of Ford’s market share in Australia during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The 105E Anglia was also the base for some performance variants, including the Anglia 105E Sport, which offered slightly improved handling and sportier suspension. These models appealed to buyers who wanted more performance without a significant increase in price.
Key Specifications (1959-1968)
- Engine: 997cc inline-4
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Power Output: 39 hp
- Top Speed: 120 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: 20-25 seconds
- Length: 3,674 mm
- Width: 1,637 mm
- Height: 1,460 mm
- Curb Weight: 695 kg
The Anglia 105E was one of the best-selling variants of the Ford Anglia in Australia. It offered an affordable option for families while also providing a reliable vehicle for businesses and other sectors that relied on small cars.
5. The Ford Anglia’s Decline and the End of Production in Australia (1968-1970)
a. Decline in Popularity
By the late 1960s, the Ford Anglia was beginning to face increasing competition in Australia from other manufacturers. The growing popularity of more modern cars, particularly imports from Japan and Europe, started to erode the Anglia’s market share. The larger Ford Cortina, which was also available in Australia, became a more popular choice for families and businesses, while the Japanese and European imports offered more modern features and designs.
Despite these challenges, the Ford Anglia remained a popular choice for those who appreciated its simple design and fuel efficiency. However, by 1970, Ford Australia had stopped importing and assembling the Anglia, focusing on other models in the lineup.
b. Legacy of the Ford Anglia in Australia
Although the Ford Anglia was phased out in the Australian market by 1970, it left a lasting impression. The car was known for its practical size, reliability, and affordability. It also contributed to the shift toward more compact cars in Australia, influencing the designs of future Ford models, such as the Ford Escort.
The Anglia’s legacy also lives on in the classic car community, where enthusiasts continue to restore and preserve the model, appreciating its simplicity and unique design.
6. Sales Figures and Popularity of the Ford Anglia in Australia
While exact sales figures for the Ford Anglia in Australia are difficult to determine, it is widely accepted that over 250,000 units of the Anglia were sold across all its iterations during its production run in the country. The car was particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, with peak sales occurring during the introduction of the 105E model.
- 1939-1948: Initial sales were slow due to World War II, but the Anglia gained a foothold in the Australian market during the late 1940s.
- 1948-1959: Sales began to rise, and the Anglia became a popular option for families and businesses in need of an affordable car.
- 1959-1968: The Anglia 105E was the best-selling version in Australia, with many buyers appreciating its efficiency, design, and low operating costs.
- 1968-1970: Sales began to decline as competition increased, but the Anglia still maintained a solid presence in the market until it was discontinued.
7. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Ford Anglia in Australia
The Ford Anglia holds a special place in Australian automotive history. While it was never the largest-selling vehicle in Ford’s lineup, its influence on the compact car market cannot be overstated. It provided an affordable, reliable, and practical option for families, businesses, and individuals in Australia, especially in the 1950s and 1960s.
From its early days as a pre-war vehicle to its post-war resurgence and eventual decline, the Anglia’s journey in Australia reflects the changing landscape of the Australian automotive market.