When a car is described by its maker as 'new,' it often turns out to be little more than a facelifted version of what's gone before. But when Ford's latest Anglia (codenamed 105E) made its debut at the 1959 Earl's Court Motor Show, just about the only thing carried over from its predecessor was the name.
The all-new Anglia's styling was, of course, its most noticeable feature, from its controversial reverse-rake rear window to its gently sloping bonnet framed on either side by front wings that thrust the headlamps well forward, further exaggerated by well-designed brightwork. At the rear, meanwhile, a pair of tail fins with appropriately sharp rear indicators protruded from the boot line, their length enhanced by the backward slope of the rear screen.
Under that adventurous bodywork, the changes continued. Biggest news was the announcement of a brand new over-square 997cc OHV engine, marking the start of the 'Kent' generation, a series of powerplants that would go on to enjoy several decades of success throughout the Ford line-up. Making the most of this new engine was the Anglia's equally fresh four-speed gearbox (the first time four gears had been fitted to a small British Ford), boasting synchromesh on all but first. Decent handling was assured thanks to the Anglia's MacPherson strut front
