The Ford Anglia, a popular compact car produced by Ford from 1939 to 1967, remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts. Known for its distinctive design and reliability, the Anglia gained much attention for its performance as well. It showcased various engine options throughout its production, each contributing to its overall appeal and success.
One of the earliest iterations of the Ford Anglia featured a 933cc side-valve engine. This engine type, also known as a flathead engine, was a simple and robust design with the valves located in the engine block beside the combustion chamber. Though not particularly powerful, this engine provided decent performance and fuel efficiency for its time.
In the early 1950s, Ford introduced the E494A Anglia, which boasted a slightly more powerful 1172cc side-valve engine. This engine, too, followed the flathead design and offered improved acceleration and overall performance compared to its predecessor. The E494A Anglia quickly gained popularity, especially among families, due to its affordable price and decent power output.
As the automotive industry progressed, so did Ford’s engine technology. In 1953, the company unveiled a more advanced version of the Anglia known as the 100E. This model featured several engine options, but the most notable was the 1172cc overhead-valve (OHV) engine. This type of engine had the valves positioned above the piston instead of in the engine block, resulting in improved power output and fuel efficiency. With this engine, the 100E Anglia showcased enhanced performance and a top speed of around 71 mph, bringing a new level of excitement to the model.
Towards the end of its production run, the Ford Anglia received another engine upgrade in the form of the 105E. Introduced in 1959, the 105E Anglia featured a more powerful 997cc overhead-valve engine. This engine, derived from Ford’s high-performance unit, utilized a hemispherical combustion chamber design, allowing for greater efficiency and improved power delivery. The 105E Anglia became famous for its sporty performance and ability to achieve speeds of up to 82 mph.
In addition to the various engine options mentioned, the Ford Anglia also had Diesel and Super versions available in certain markets. These versions typically featured engines tailored for better fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
The legacy of the Ford Anglia lives on today, with enthusiasts showcasing its timeless design and enduring performance. While the Anglia’s engine options evolved over the years, each one contributed to the car’s success, offering customers a blend of reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance that suited their needs and preferences. Whether it was the early side-valve engines or the later overhead-valve units, the Ford Anglia’s engines played a vital role in defining its place in automotive history.