A Classic Ford Anglia Sells for £11,500 at Auction

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you’ll have a special place in your heart for the classic Ford Anglia. The car gained prominence in the movies and is an iconic vehicle of the 1960s that has achieved more popularity among fans. 

It’s not only a great-looking car, but it’s also quite rare to find one in such good condition. The recent story of the auction sale certainly warmed our cockles here at White’s Bodyworks. 

When the car first came off the production line back in the 60s, it sold for just £610 and was barely able to reach heady speeds of about 78 miles per hour. It was a popular car at the time, however, and more than a million models were sold before it was discontinued later in the decade. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Ford Anglia and why it’s such a collectable little car. 

The Ford Anglia 

Under the hood, the 1960 Ford Anglia was powered by either a 997cc or 1198cc four-cylinder engine. While not particularly powerful, the setup provided adequate performance for the size and car’s purpose which certainly resonated with customers. The handling was pretty nimble and responsive, making it well-suited for navigating urban streets and tight corners.

The interior was modest yet functional, reflecting the era's penchant for minimalist design. Today, when you sit down in the driver’s seat, you get a real feel for the time when these cars were popular. 

The dashboard featured a straightforward layout with essential gauges and controls within easy reach of the driver. The seating was comfortable, accommodating up to four passengers. Despite its compact nature, the Anglia offered a surprising amount of headroom and legroom compared to other cars on the market at the time.

It proved popular not only for its distinctive styling but also for its affordability and practicality. A sales tag of just over £600 was pretty good for the time. It became a popular choice for families, young drivers and those seeking an economical car to get around town. 

The smaller size made it easy to manoeuvre and park and it also offered a pretty good fuel efficiency which was becoming ever more important as the number of drivers increased over the decade.

The Ford Anglia may have disappeared into obscurity, but it gained additional exposure with the success of the Harry Potter films. Today, it is a sought-after classic but finding a model that is in pristine condition can be challenging. Around £11,000 is the minimum you should expect to pay. 

A Quick Guide to Buying a Classic Car at Auction

Buying a classic car at auction can be an exciting and rewarding experience but it’s not without its challenges. Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Before attending an auction, do your homework. Research the specific classic car you're interested in, including its history, specifications, market value and any known issues that may require additional work and financial outlay. 
2. Determine how much you're willing to spend on the classic car. For most cars, this won’t just include the purchase price but any necessary repairs or restorations. There will be additional costs such as transportation and insurance to take into account.
3. Don’t buy unseen. Whenever possible, inspect the classic car you want to buy before the auction. Examine its condition and look for signs of rust, damage and mechanical issues. If you’re not an expert, consider hiring a professional mechanic or appraiser for a comprehensive inspection. 
4. Arrive early on the auction day to register as a bidder. Familiarise yourself with the local rules including bidding increments and any additional fees or buyer's premiums. Don’t forget to make a note of the lot numbers of the classic cars you're interested in.
5. Before bidding, observe the auction proceedings and watch other bidders and how they behave. Pay attention to the auctioneer's style and pace, as well as the bidding patterns of other participants. It can be a good idea to attend a few auctions before you actually start bidding seriously. 
6. When your classic car comes up for auction, bid confidently and clearly. Start with a conservative bid, and incrementally increase your offer as needed. Be mindful not to get caught up in the excitement and exceed your predetermined budget. You are not always going to win, especially if you are after a popular car.
7. If you're the highest bidder and win the auction, all is well and good. However, the process doesn't end there. Review the terms and conditions of the sale, including payment requirements and deadlines. Understand the auction house's policies on guarantees, title transfers, and what happens with any post-sale inspections or disputes.

White’s Bodyworks: How We Can Help

While some classic cars are in perfect condition like this Ford Anglia, others do require a bit of work to get them back to pristine condition. That’s where the team at White’s Bodyworks can certainly help. 

Our team has decades of experience helping to refurbish and fully restore classic cars of all types. Over the years, we’ve gained a strong reputation in the UK for being one of the best in the business. You can check out our extensive portfolio here. 

If you need help restoring or repairing your classic car and want to leave it in the hands of a great team of experts, contact White’s Bodyworks today.