1965 Ford Anglia 105E – Project Profile

Fords of years gone by are always welcome in the classic car world. There’s a familiarity that comes from a Ford. We all know someone who had a Capri, or an Escort, or a Fiesta or scrolling back through the years a bit further, an Anglia. As such, the majority of Ford’s back catalogue is well represented in the classic car world. This is of course a good thing, as having a gang of fellow enthusiasts with which to share your passion can often take a lot of the stress out of it. Need parts, knowledge or advice? It’s far easier to get all that for a Ford than it is a Facel Vega. The other thing with classic Fords is that modification isn’t just acceptable, it’s positively encouraged, meaning you can build the classic Ford of your dreams without being shunned. First though, you need a car on which to build your dream Ford. Something like, say, this rather adorable 1965 Ford Anglia 105E. Yes please.

Sure, you could go for an Escort or a Capri, but they’re pretty common in the classic Ford world. The models from the ’60s, on the other hand, are a bit more special. The 105E is a glowing case in point with its notchback rear window and proud tail fins. It was and still is a stunning looking little car. And it’s the perfect base on which to build something special. Sure, you could restore it to standard condition, but where’s the fun in that? The 105E is charming in stock guise, granted. Modified, though, it can be a proper little B Road blaster. The aftermarket has built up a mass of bolt-on parts that will allow you to fit better suspension, brakes, steering and even entirely different engines should you choose. The Anglia 105E might be small, but the potential is huge.

What is it? 

The car we have here is a 1965 Ford Anglia 105e. Interestingly, this car has just been imported from South Africa, which would go some way to explaining why it’s largely rust-free, though it does need some metalwork – it’s an old Ford after all. However, it’s incredibly solid compared to any other 105E project that has lived its life here in the UK. The engine looks to be the original 997cc pre-crossflow inline-four unit, which will be mated to a four-speed manual transmission with synchro on the top three gears. It’s rear wheel-drive, naturally. The seller states that they will do all the paperwork needed to get the car UK registered, so you don’t need to worry about that. The car is a runner, but it hasn’t been used properly in a few years, so will need going over. On the whole though, it’s a very solid, and very presentable little slice of classic Ford style. We would, that’s for sure.

Why is it a project? 

It’s an old Ford that hasn’t been used properly for a number of years, so there is some work to do. The seller states that the boot floor and the rear crossmember need some attention, which are both common areas for rust on the Anglia. The interior looks to be lovely and very usable, though the seller states that the exterior is presentable, but is “no show winner”. That’s fine though, as paint is only there to keep the weather off. The engine, as we mentioned, runs. However, due to not being on the road for a few years, it would need going over. Happily, the little 997 fitted to the 105E is no more complicated than cheese on toast, so any budding home mechanic will be able to give it a basic overhaul. All in all, it’s a very appealing project and one that is dripping in potential.

Five things to look for: 

1) Rust

It’s a Ford, so it will rust at the mere mention of moisture. Thankfully, it seems the South African climate has been kind to this little 105E, as it looks incredibly straight and with no swelling panels or questionable gaps. However, the seller has said the boot floor and rear crossmember need repair, so it would be wise to get under there and see how bad it is. Happily, replacement panels are available.

2) More rust

Check the doors (in particular the bottoms), the front outer and inner wings, the headlight surrounds, the front and rear valances and the roof gutters. In fact, take a magnet with you. It looks very solid and original, but it might have been subject to repairs in the past. Better to be safe than sorry, so check thoroughly.

3) Engine

The 997cc pre-crossflow unit in the 105E is a hardy little lump. Having driven one to Switzerland and back, we can attest to just how plucky they are. They’re also a doodle to work on, so there is no reason why this one shouldn’t be in good condition. The only big thing to consider is the valve seats, as they may not have been upgraded, meaning UK fuel might be an issue.

4) Suspension

We know the rear crossmember needs work, but what about other areas like the rear leaf springs and shackles, the front struts and mounting areas, so on and so forth. Get under it and have a good look. The bushes may well be perished due to the dry South African climate, so check those, too.

5) Trim

Parts are surprisingly easy to find for the 105E, but even so, it’s better to buy a car with useable trim than have to search for replacement stuff. This car looks really, really good, so we have high hopes But check all the side trim, the bumpers, the rubbers, the interior trim and dash fixings.

What should you do with it? 

You could lose the later steel wheels and return this to standard without too much trouble. Sort the rear end out and you would have a fun, charming little classic that would be welcome at any car show. If it were our money though, we’d give the car a bit more purpose. Lower it, fit wide steel wheels for better grip, stiffen up the chassis with new bushes and the like, fit a better steering rack and then finish it of with a more powerful crossflow engine with a decent pairing of twin Webers. It would still be a proper Anglia 105E, but one with a bit more bite and one that would be altogether more exciting to drive. Go on, you know you want to.

If you would want to but have missed out, here’s where you can keep a lookout for another Ford Anglia for sale.