Ford Popular, Anglia and Prefect (100-107E) (1953 – 1963) Review

Ford Popular, Anglia and Prefect (100-107E) (1953 – 1963) At A Glance

+Likeable, fun and easy to work on

-A 'little' bit basic

The unitary construction, which debuted on the 1951 Zephyr/Zodiac also underpinned Ford's exciting new small car range, which finally saw an end to the old pre-war sit-up-and-beg Popular 103E. Predictably, the new Popular, Prefect and Anglia looked rather like a scaled-down Consul or Zephyr, but this was the beginnings of Ford's 'family' styling policy, which would serve it well for decades to come.

The 100E came in basic two-door Anglia form or as the higher-spec Prefect, with four doors. Pre-war side-valve engines persisted – the all-new 1172cc engine just happened to be exactly the same capacity as that in the old Anglias and Prefects. When the 105E Anglia was launched in 1959 the 100E became the Popular, a no-nonsense, low-budget machine intended to lure customers away from the sub-£500 Mini.

The lack of a four-door Anglia 105E meant that the 100E would soldier on for some time. The Prefect 107E ended up being the perfect car for those who wanted the practicality of a four-door car and the innovation of the new overhead valve engine but weren’t that bothered about the fashion-conscious looks of the reverse-rake Anglia. This was effectively the four-door 100E shape fitted with the 105E’s overhead-valve engine and four-speed transmission, plus some plusher touches than had been the case on previous 100Es. Two-tone paintwork was standard, and a small but loyal following ensued.

Ask Honest John

Can I drive a classic police car with the signage on?

"I have a 1960 Ford Prefect police car and want to know if iI can drive it on the roads with the signage on? Or must I remove all signs before each journey to a classic car event?"
There are quite a few issues around this, but we'll do our best to summarise. The law says that no vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not. Additionally, 'fitted' includes lamps which are masked over and those without wiring. The law also says that, with certain exceptions, no motor vehicle shall be fitted with a bell, gong, siren or two-tone horn. So, legally, the best way to transport such vehicles is on a trailer. We spoke to the Police Vehicle Enthusiast's Club, who offered the following practical advice: No blue lights (or flashing red lights) to be shown - they must be covered up and the fuse fully removed. The words 'police' and any police crest must be fully covered, which includes any police/stop lights on the car. Two-tone horns, bells and sirens must also be disconnected and the fuse removed. The Club is very helpful and can provide more practical advice on this - but the bottom line is if you're in any doubt don't take the risk.
Answered by Keith Moody

How do I go about taxing a classic car that's been SORN'd since 1995?

"I have a 1953 Ford Popular which has been off the road since 1995 on a SORN. I have moved in that time and only have the V5 not the V5C. It has my old address on so how do I go about retaxing the car?"
The best way to tax your car will be with a trip to your local car tax issuing Post Office. You can take your old-style V5 with you (have the change of address section filled in). You should be able to tax it there and then as long as it is insured (it doesn't need an MoT as it built before 1960), and retain the V5 to send to the DVLA for the change of address. If for any reason they won't accept the old V5, you can still tax the car using a form V62 - which means you're applying for a new V5C in your name at your current address.
Answered by Keith Moody

What is the shelf life of Castrol XL30 monograde oil?

"I use Castrol XL30 monograde oil in my Ford E93A engine and bulk buying is cheaper. What would be the shelf life of the oil?"
Every oil is different, and a lot depends on how the lubricant is stored, but generally most manufacturers say engine oil has a shelf life of four to five years.
Answered by Keith Moody
More Questions

What does a Ford Popular, Anglia and Prefect (100-107E) (1953 – 1963) cost?