1952 Ford Anglia

The Ford Anglia E494A/E493OA was a two-door four-seater saloon and the E493C was a four-door two-seater van with a front engine driving the rear wheels in both models. They were built between 1948 and 1954.

October 1948 marked the introduction of the Ford Anglia E494A. As compared with its E04A predecessor it had a modified nose with two vertical slates while trafficators and a second windscreen wiper were now standard equipment. The steel body was mounted on a steel channel chassis, the drum brakes were operated by cables at the front and rods at the rear mechanical system, the steering was by worm-and-peg and the suspension was by transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers fore and aft. The top speed of the E494A was 57 mph.

The E493OA export versions were fitted with the 1.2-litre engine from the Prefect E493A and 1949 saw the debut of the Fordson-badged E494C 5cwt panel van. Production of the saloons ceased in 1953 and the van in 1954.

The standard home market engine for the Anglia E494A was a 993cc S4 side valve unit with a 1,172cc S4 side valve unit for export markets. All models had a three-speed manual gearbox.

The Ford Anglia E494A combines delightful late 1940s detailing, such as a Bakelite fascia, with robust mechanics and entertaining road manners that are ideal for B-road motoring. Some British-market versions have been fitted with the larger power plant and the commercial versions are very sought after.

Potential buyers of any version should investigate the floor for any signs of water intrusion, along with the A- and B-pillars, around the rear axle, the boot lid and floor, and the windscreen surrounds. The engine's cooling system and big end bearings should also be checked.

Alternatives to the Ford Anglia E494A include the Morris Minor MM, the Morris Series Z van, and the Jowett Bradford.