Ford made a significant transition in its automotive lineup with the introduction of the Anglia 105E in September 1959. This marked a departure from the conventional designs of its predecessors, as Ford embraced innovation by adopting an overhead-valve engine for its smallest family sedan.
The Anglia 105E featured a compact 997cc four-cylinder engine with an ultra short-stroke design, showcasing a remarkable affinity for high revs and boasting ample tuning potential. This engine design proved to be highly successful, as evidenced by its triumphs in Formula Junior and Formula 3 racing circuits, where its performance and reliability were lauded by drivers and enthusiasts alike.
In addition to its advanced engine technology, the Anglia 105E inherited its running gear from the preceding Anglia/Prefect 100E model. This included the McPherson strut/live axle setup, which provided a balanced combination of handling and comfort for everyday driving.
Ford introduced a modern four-speed gearbox with the 105E model, a notable improvement over the previous three-speed version. This gearbox enhancement contributed to the overall performance and drivability of the Anglia 105E, making it a more versatile and responsive vehicle on the road.
Stylistically, the Anglia 105E embraced innovation with its distinctive design elements. One of the most notable features was its ‘grinning’ radiator grille, which gave the car a playful and charismatic appearance, capturing the essence of the swinging sixties with its forward-looking aesthetic.
Additionally, the rear window of the Anglia 105E featured a reverse-slope design, providing enhanced rear headroom and weather resilience. These design choices not only improved the functionality of the vehicle but also added to its visual appeal, making it stand out in a crowded market segment.
The Anglia 105E series was offered in various iterations to cater to different customer preferences and needs. From practical family sedans to sporty and performance-oriented models, Ford ensured that there was an Anglia 105E variant for every type of driver. This diverse lineup contributed to the model’s phenomenal sales success, with over a million units sold before production concluded in 1967. The Anglia 105E became a household name, revered for its reliability, affordability, and innovative design features.
In conclusion, the Ford Anglia 105E represented a significant milestone in the company’s history, signaling a shift towards more modern and advanced automotive technologies. With its overhead-valve engine, improved gearbox, and distinctive design elements, the Anglia 105E captured the imagination of drivers around the world and solidified Ford’s reputation as a leader in automotive innovation.
