Looking for a period classic to modify? Then there’s no arguing with the logic of upgrading an Anglia 105E, as Paul Guinness explains.

Think of a classic Ford that’s seen major upgrades at the hands of modifiers, racers and rally fans alike and you’ll probably conjure up images of the Mk I Escort first. But it was the Escort’s predecessor of 1959-67 that really got the ball rolling, the Anglia 105E being one of the most modified classics of its era. And justifiably so.

When the all-new 105E-series Anglia burst on to the scene in ’59, the contrast between the newcomer and its 100E predecessor couldn’t have been greater. Where the 100E plodded along under sidevalve power, the 105E was thrust forward by a brand new, over-square, overhead-valve design; and where the 100E made do with three-speed transmission, the 105E was Ford’s first ever small car with a four-speed gearbox.

The most talked-about feature, though, was naturally the 105E’s reverse-rake rear window – a styling exercise that some thought was inspirational, while others slated it as absurd. Whatever your opinion of it, you can’t deny it attracts attention.

Two years after the launch of the 105E saloon came the rather useful estate and van derivatives. And a year after that, in 1962, along came the 123E model, powered by a 1198cc version of the 105E’s ‘Kent’ engine. The original 997cc model remained in production, though, giving buyers a choice of powerplants right through to the Anglia’s eventual demise in late 1967. By that time, the Mk I Escort was already waiting in the wings.

The 105E has always lent itself to modifications, and throughout the Sixties and Seventies was a popular choice with amateur racers and enthusiastic drivers alike. The fact that a Cortina 1500GT engine (another member of the ‘Kent’ family) would fit in the Anglia’s engine bay without any hassle was very handy, while those who could afford it often opted for Lotus’ twin-cam set-up instead.

With Classic front struts (which meant front disc brakes), lowered suspension and all that extra power, the relatively lightweight Anglia could be made to go pretty fast. And it still can, with various specialists happy to advise on engine transplants and more. That list includes Milton, whose experts reckon one of the best period packages is a 105E fitted with a Lotus twin cam, 2000E gearbox and Mk II Cortina front struts. Or for those who prefer a more modern approach, the company will even advise on installing a Zetec powerplant from a 21st century Ford. It all sounds superb, your only real restraint being the size of your available budget…

Produced: 1959-67
Engines: 997cc / 1198cc 4-cyl ‘Kent’
Prices: £250 (for restoration) to £5000 (superb, original, low mileage)
Upside: Strong image, unique looks and an abundance of modifying options
Downside: Prices for the best examples have risen significantly
Why You Want One: Because a well-sorted 105E can be one of the best affordable driving experiences from the Sixties
Club: Ford Anglia 105E Owners’ Club (www.fordanglia105eownersclub.co.uk)
Specialists: 105 Speed (www.105speed.com), Milton Race (www.miltonrace.co.uk), Newford Parts Centre (www.btinternet.com/~newfordpartscentre), Old Ford Auto Services (www.oldfordautos.com), Vulcan Engineering (www.vulcanengines.com)
Parts Prices (including VAT) via Milton Race: rack and pinion steering kit, £680; Gaz adjustable front struts (exchange), £350 per pair; polyurethane front strut top mounts (exchange), £145 per pair; poly-bushed adjustable track control arms (exchange), £110 per pair; front strut brace, £85; full rollcage, £470

Published in the June 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.

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