According to anglia-models.co.uk, the Ford Anglia was introduced in Europe in 1939 shortly before the outbreak of World War II. They “…used a very simple mechanical layout that included mechanical brakes and a sidevalve engine.” They were in production for nearly 20 years both before and after the war. This one can be found for sale here on Craigslist with an asking price of $9,322. Unfortunately, there is no written information in the ad, but we can make some observations and assumptions based on the photos. The car is located in Long Beach, California and it looks pretty solid. Let’s look a little closer and thanks to T.J. for the tip on this car.
Here is an awesome example of an Anglia race car done in a gasser theme.
This car looks highly original. The head of the sparkplug you can see is pretty clean, which may indicate that some maintenance work has been done.
The Anglia interiors are very simple. They were designed to be as mechanically un-complicated as possible. The banjo-style steering wheel has a great look and the center gauges are classy. There’s not much room for a roll cage in these cars, so perhaps if this car is going to be a racer, it should be kept under the minimum speed to require a cage.
When the hoods are open, the car has an amazing look from the front. There’s something to be said for the 30s styling in a 50s vehicle. What do you think of Anglias? Would you restore, race, or drive this one as-is?
The Seller must have lowered the price $1000 as it’s now $8,322. If this Anglia were closer I would make an attempt to purchase it. Unfortunately, with it being a non-op car shipping cost alone would prevent me from doing so. I hope someone on BarnFinds ends up with this potential gem. I don’t think you could find a more 100% original untouched Anglia in better shape without looking for a long time.
Hi can any one help me
I am looking for a complete 100e transmission
Ed
I might have the transmission you need.
Seller couldn’t be bothered to post any info whatever on the CL site. If I was younger I’d buy it if only to keep someone from making a dragster out of it.
Race? Race? They’re slower than a slow thing on a slow day in Slowsville.
Looks fairly intact, though.
The only racers exempt from cages over here are vintage and veteran (pre-1936, I think).
I sure wish people would get their engine descriptions correct. this engine is an Lhead or what many call a flat head. A side valve engine hs the valves laying on their side or perpendicular to the cylinder bore. the only ening that I am aware of that has that configuration is an old Minneapolis Moline tractor engine. This engine is not a side valve.
As far back as I can remember the term “side valve” has meant an engine with the valves in the block, running parallel to the piston.
aka. “flathead”. All flatheads are side-valve engines.
Yes, this engine was always known as a sidevalve in the UK. It was the engine which powered the 1172 Formula cars which started the careers of engineers like Chapman/Lotus, Broadley/Lola, Ginetta, Marcos, Elva, Len Terry, who designed for many marques- as ditto Tony Southgate…..
Term is different between USA and UK/Europe. Flathead is the term in USA and for EU hotrodders, who would call a 48 Ford V8 a flathead and this Anglia a sidevalve….L head is one way to configure a sidevalve engine. So apparently, L heads are side valves but not all sidevalves are L heads-
I wish Americans wouldn’t presume to put forward that THEIR take on English is correct – as it often ISN’T.
This vehicle has been fitted with a 933cc & 1,172 SIDE VALVE engine.
The reason for that description is because the valves are, indeed, on the SIDE of the BLOCK!
Your notion of valves “being perpendicular to the bores” is a complete fiction!
Please ignore Norman’s post above… There is already too much REAL mis-information on the internet, and don’t need to have more listed here.
Rick is correct… Sidevalve engines are flat head-valve in block engibne. and these Anglias had one of the most popular, the Ford 1172cc ( or 933cc), and these engines were very popular in race cars of the 50’s
I sure wish you would have got your facts correct before commenting as well. The meaning of a “side valve” engine is that the valves follow the same movement i.e. up and down, as the pistons, and run up and down be”side” the pistons, on the same plane.
While the debate goes on: side valve, L-head, Flat-head etc etc etc.
Let’s just say it’s a difference between a
“Valve-in-head” engine or another! LOL
The big dif on OHV (overhead engines) and L-head engines is discovered when observing the vacuum gauge….21 inches of mercury vs. 18.
I would have thought that obvious, by my comment!
Actually,the sidevalves is how Ford themselves described the early english fords.The valves are beside the cylinders.I’ve been an enthuisiast and collector(7 anglias,1 popular,and 1 prefect,alnong with a few Morris Minors) for over 40 years.
Like the ‘40-41 Willys coupes, many of these were cut up to build gassers that it’s almost jarring to see one in stock condition. I say preserve it.
When was the last time you saw a stock ‘41 Willys?
A stock Willy’s is like a unicorn! This would be nice with a turbo 4 or 6 cylinder, good brakes and suspension, dk green with a tan interior
Brings back memories of Jim Oddy tearing up Niagara and Lancaster drag strips in the Buffalo area in the 1960’s.
I think that car is cute as a bug!
The seller has now lowered the price to $7,322. I know nothing of stock ’51 Anglia selling prices… I’ve never seen another one offered for sale. However, that amount sure sounds like a bargain to me.
Forget making it a rod..replace the drivetrain with that from a Honda S2000, restore the body and interior and you’d have a fun-to-drive every day car!
The only mod I’d have to seriously consider is replacing the fixed fabric roof insert with a ragtop sunroof.
This is an original US-spec export car with the 1172cc 10 fiscal/30 real horsepower engine shared with the lwb 4-door Prefect rather than the 933cc 8/22hp version home-market cars (and some LHD exports to other countries) had. Other unique features of this model are the sealed-beam headlights with separate pods for parking lights, offset rear license plate and taillight, and the firewall tag calling out model number E494A F/A.
I’d restore the body to mint specs, except for modern brakes and drivetrain…drive it as is…enjoy it…!!!!
I can’t believe it hasn’t sold at $7k. If I didnt have three projects now i’d be all over it. It really is pretty cherry as far as the body, interior not so much.
These are DREADFUL to drive.A 3 speed gearbox,transverse springs and no creature comforts at all.These were known here as “puddlejumpers”.
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Here in the UK, they were known as “sit up and begs”, because of their “vertical” stance.
55 years in the trade, and I’ve never noticed ONE redeeming feature about these vehicles – other than simplicity.
But 55mph & 25mpg is NO recommendation
They were good for more than 25mpg.But they were still slow,uncomfortable and awful to drive.
In the 1960’s they were in huge demand in Northern Ontario, Canada for hunters going into the “bush”. Good ground clearance, narrow track, easy to fix, cheap to buy and easy to maintain….plus it had a Heater for those 40 below winter temperatures……..not to mention, room for 4 blokes with their rifles in the boot!
In my teen years a friend had one of these and out on a Sunday run with 4 of us onboard, (at low speed, the road was dirt and the center had built up in a hump from trucks using it), our car rounded the bend and ‘fell over’, we got out pushed it upright again jumped in an carried on. The doors on one side never did work again. The narrow body and transverse springs didn’t help these things.
For me, this is a “restore car” don’t screw it up with hot rodding. I’ve owned two of them back in the early 60’s…love em! Mechanical brakes and all!
Restore stock exterior and stock interior
Upgrade suspension, Mustang II rack and pinion, coil overs in rear, late model Mustang IRS, Wilwood discs X 4 and Ford EcoBoost 4.
Stealth dependability, safety and performance.
Beautiful original interior and exterior.
We did the same with a ‘39 back in the mid ‘80’s with an Esslinger Engineering Ford 2.3 side draft Webers etc….
Wish I knew where it ended up. I’d probably buy it.
Depending on the condition, how solid the frame is, I’d do a little of both if possible. I’d prefer to keep as much as stock as possible, or upgrade it with whatever one could’ve ordered with a British Ford Anglia.
There was not much in the way of options…both my Anglias were fitted with factory heaters. As this was the lowest price car in England it was extremely popular. Ironically after the Anglia design gave way to a more modern car….the old Anglia was to become the Popular…which again bore the title “lowest price car in England” Back in 1952, I remember brand new Anglias and Prefects being offered at select Mercury dealerships in the Great Lakes area…as low as $ 1200. The colour on the one listed might very well be original paint. I bought both of mine in Ontario,Canada, where they seemed to be received better than in the states.
They were known for rugged reliability…and easy to maintain by a owner! Love ’em, I do!
To keep it simple I’d do something like a Pinto 2300 drivetrain with modern brakes. Keep the exterior as is, redo the interior stock and drive the wheels off it.
This Ford Anglia looks so stock, original I bet you could get it running in a couple of hours. For $7,322 a bargain ! I’d leave it the way it is except for brakes, tires, steering up grade and engine/trans depending on the condition of the one in it .
Sold???
I’m saved !
I was just starting to move all my possessions out on to the street so my wife would not have to throw them out with me when I told her really, it was a good deal and I only paid…
Built when the average Joe could fix and maintain with a basic set of hand tools…..
Why would you screw with that?
It isn’t meant for the interstate or a 400 Series highways. Enjoy I for what it is.
Right on, Kelly. Perfection can be described as “basic”….what more is there?
After my 4 English Fords, I went to Citroen 2 CV …. ditto for basic perfection!
Ive owned a number of these, mine were all RHD as I imported them from England. I personally find them fun to drive in a small town but they’re too slow for the highway or even a large thoroughfare. The mechanical sophistication is along the lines of a Model A Ford but the engine is more like a “T” in that it has no water pump! Hot rodding these remains very popular (pun intended) in England where you will find all sorts of modern mechanicals shoehorned into them so there is no excuse to hot rod this one – get one already done from England if you must.
When I was a small child my family moved to the south of Spain. Across the street from us was a family grocery store that my mother frequented regularly. The owner of the store had a sort of military green 1946 Ford Anglia that he used to pick up stock for his store. By the late ’60s that old pre-war design was looking quite dated, but always very distinctive and with a lot of character. I remember the owner commenting just how reliable that old car was. To those saying to “resto-mod” it with modern engines and parts, I say “BOO!”. Restore it to original specifications and preserve a bit of automotive history. I also believe that in the long run, this will also mean the highest value possible for this Anglia.
US = Flathead
UK = Sidevalve
AKA ‘Sit up & beg’ Anglias
The ad is down must of found a buyer, I only ever saw one of these in person in my 66 years. Nice car
I went to see this in the early am today and just had to have it. I’ve had more than a few of these over the years, but this one is a zero rust, completely unmolested time capsule still equipped with it’s original rubber flooring and folded metal battery ground cable. All Bakelite window garnish moldings are unmarked and crack free as is the dash. The pictures in the CL ad don’t do it any favors – it is a very rare find indeed. The paint is original as is everything else on the car. It has the “flip down” rear plate bracket, similar to what’s found on a MK1 mini. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that particular item survive on any other car; certainly none of my prior Anglias. Did I actually need another project? No. Could I walk away from it? Not a chance.
Good for you Jimmy X….I’d love to have it, but at my age and abilities it just can’t happen.
I’m an ENFO (Dagenham) fan from the late 50’s…love ’em, I do!
Good luck on this latest adventure.
Jules
Good news Jimmy. Thank you for keeping it out of the hot rodders hands. It sounds like it is totally original and it’s good to know that you intend to keep it that way, however, if ever a car needed a gearbox upgrade to a 4 speed then this is it. The gap between second and top is so wide that I had to rev the heck out of mine in second so that it would manage to pull top gear. I believe that it is fairly easy to fit a Morris Minor box to the Anglia engine. Hope the trafficators work. Anyway, enjoy a great little car.
Owning a classic and driving a classic requires one to keep their classic in original condition….modifications always dilute and devalue inherent design.
An opinion from an avid ENFO (Dagenham) fan! LOL
Just a thought. Maybe a 4 speed box from a 105E Ford Anglia/Prefect would fit straight on.
Not so, unfortunately.
The MM or 105e gearbox has a snowflakes chance in hell of fitting .
The enclosed torque tube (single & encased) means sod all will adapt.
nice anglia jim,great score
I could not do anything to this beauty/, but make it drivable and just do that to every car show, shopping, dinner, etc.
Right on Timothy.
Anglia is a most historical classic!
Jules
REMINDER:
Old Anglias had torque-tube drive shafts…105E models went to more modern system. Old Prefects were slightly faster (top end) than Anglias owing to different ratio,
ENFO-Dagenham enthusiast, Jules
Just curious, are parts readily available to do a restoration?
Parts would be available where you find all those butchered Anglias running as drag- racers!
Probably bushel baskets of parts are laying about from the the savage hot rodders who violated the pure & simple Anglia, I love!
To anybody that would do anything to spoil the authenticity of this magnificent original car:
May the itching piles torment you, may corns grow on your feet,
May crabs as big as spiders make your crotch a luscious treat.
Then, when you’re down and out, and a hopeless bloody wreck,
May you trip on your cutting torch and break your bloody neck.
Parts have always been available in UK but take good care of that LHD steering box- you will probably never see another one!
Indeed – and that configuration is how the majority of pre-war British cars were – as were many, many American ones, including v8s…
There were some OHV & OHC engines, but the “side valve” predominated.
For those interested in the Google description – here it is.
“Why were early engines called flat heads? The design where the valves were located in the engine block is called flathead design because the cylinder head simply covered the combustion chamber and included a hole for the spark plug – whilst the valves were vertical, at the side of the engine.”
My knowledge, however, doesn’t come from Google, but 55 years working in the automotive (car/lorry) industry.
A couple of comments on this thread are so bizarre, you could think that they came out of One Step Beyond!