Magical history tour of the car that starred in Harry Potter

One of Ford’s must successful and enduring European vehicles, more than a million and a half Anglias were produced between 1939 and 1967, in various styles.

The car was produced in Dagenham for most of that 28-year duration, and its name hints at British feelings of patriotism running high in the year it declared war on Germany.

For the first few years, the idea of being seen in a German-made Volkswagen Beetle, which was launched in 1938, instead of a Ford Anglia would have been considered anathema to many Britons!

Evidence of the constant Ford drive to keep prices low can be seen when comparing the cost of a 1962 Anglia in the UK — £621 — to the 1967 version — just £535.

The vehicle also entered British television culture, as ‘panda cars’ in police shows such as Z-Cars, and in later years, in the nostalgia-tinged Heartbeat.

The name ‘panda cars’ came about because the first Anglias used by British police were black with a distinctive white band on both the front doors and the roof. The panda colours were explained by an acronym ‘Patrol And Neighbourhood Deployment Area’ vehicle.

However, when Ford offered a substantial discount on their Anglia range to the police, the cars were only made available in pale blue and white — so the panda connotation was lost.

Read more: The Ford Model A proved a worthy replacement of the successful Model T

But perhaps the enduring iconic cultural image is the turquoise 105E Anglia featured in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, as Arthur Weasley’s car, which he charmed to give it the capabilities of flight, invisibility and extra loading capacity. At least two of which Ford’s designers will struggle to incorporate in their next hi-tech models!

The Anglia van was one spin-off from the popular model, launched in June 1961. Again aimed at the affordable end of the market, the buyer could add some optional extras such as a hinged passenger seat, heater and a sun visor.

Mark Bushe, of Crosshaven, is the proud owner of a primrose yellow 1960 Anglia and says a nostalgia trip led to him purchasing it seven years ago.

“My father had an Anglia Estate years ago when I was small,” he explains, “and I always liked them, especially the distinctive sharp fins at the back.”

Mark, who is the chairman of Crosshaven Vintage Club, which has around 65 members, said the Anglia is in pristine condition and had done just 14,000 miles when he bought it — it now has 24,000 on the clock.

It has no seat belts as they did not become compulsory on new vehicles until 1963. “They are fine cars, grand and reliable,” adds Mark, “and this one has never broken down.”

However, he is now seeking to sell the Anglia, with a price tag of €7,000, because he and his wife want to acquire a family car.