Ford Anglia
Brand: Ford
Model: Anglia 105E
Engine: 4-cylinder, inline, 997 ccm
Power: 39 HP
Fuel: Petrol
Production year: 1961
How did a classic Ford Anglia become a Dream Car for a Harry Potter Fan Family?
Attila was never particularly fond of vintage cars. However, there was one reason he ended up acquiring a classic vehicle—his wife, Timi, is a devoted Harry Potter fan. They had already explored the magical world through books, movies, and even theme parks in the US and Vienna. So, when Attila was thinking of a special gift for his wife in 2022, the answer was clear: a 1961 Ford Anglia, just like the one Harry and Ron flew to Hogwarts.
The Start of an Adventure
Attila found the perfect car in Milan on a used car website. The Ford Anglia appeared in good condition, with a nicely restored exterior. There was another option in Switzerland, but that one was more expensive, so Attila decided to bring the Milanese Anglia home.
The Transformation and Its Challenges
The car was originally white, so Attila immediately had it wrapped in the iconic light blue color seen in the Harry Potter films. Timi was overjoyed with the gift, but soon they discovered a costly mistake. The car failed its old-timer (OT) certification because, according to the rules, wrapped vehicles are not eligible. Since Attila hadn’t checked this beforehand, he had to remove the €1,500 wrap and reapply for certification. Unfortunately, even after spending €1,250 on an expert to help with the process, the Ford failed the technical inspections, costing him another €200.
The Anglia failed its OT certification due to the wrap, but why did a car that looked flawless from the outside fail the technical inspection? Here’s the answer: the suspension was loose, the ride was uncomfortable, and the handling was terrible. No surprise, as it still had its nearly 60-year-old factory bushings, and the shock absorbers were completely dry.
The engine was in poor condition—it ran rough and felt weak, despite the fact that the Anglia was never a powerhouse. On top of that, oil was leaking from multiple places.
The braking system was downright dangerous due to careless assembly—the rear brake cylinder was held in place by nothing more than a zip tie!
As seen in the pictures, the car looked pristine on the outside, but underneath, it hid serious mechanical issues.
In total, Attila spent more than €2,750 unnecessarily because he hadn’t enlisted a professional team from the very beginning to handle the restoration and certification process. Disheartened by these setbacks, he put the project on hold for a year and a half.
Work Completed
Engine Overhaul: Oil change, air filter cleaning, valve clearance adjustment, carburetor cleaning and tuning, ignition timing adjustment.
Suspension Restoration: Replacement of all bushings, repainting of control arms, refurbishing of ball joints, manufacturing of new front shock absorbers, overhaul of rear shock absorbers (cleaning and oil change). The suspension geometry was adjusted to ensure stable road handling and even tire wear.
Steering System Overhaul: Disassembly, thorough cleaning, adjustment of fittings, and replacement of seals.
Differential Maintenance: Cleaning, oil change, and gap adjustment.
Brake System Overhaul: Replacement of brake pad surfaces, custom brake drum manufacturing (as original parts are no longer available, we modified a modern component), replacement of the master cylinder, full cleaning of the brake line system, fluid replacement, brake calibration, and extensive test driving.
Cooling System Maintenance: Radiator cleaning, replacement of water hoses, repair of radiator valve, and installation of a properly rated thermostat.
Electrical System Repairs: Fixing grounding issues, replacing bulbs, and inspecting the entire electrical network.
Fuel System Cleaning: Thorough cleaning of the fuel tank and installation of a new fuel filter.
Certification Preparation and Administration: Before the official inspection, we had the car tested at a partner examination center to ensure the brakes and suspension met the requirements, significantly expediting the certification process.
Technical Inspection, Registration, and License Plate Processing
Expertise and Reliability – A Professional Restoration
In the summer of 2024, Attila found our team, and everything changed. We focused on transparency, expertise, and precise cost estimates from the start. The car arrived at our workshop in September 2024, and by January 2025, Attila received a technically flawless Ford Anglia with a restored suspension, braking system, adjusted engine, and fully serviced drivetrain. The complete restoration and technical certification process took 4.5 months and cost a total of €7,500. Had Attila chosen us from the beginning, he would have not only saved nearly two years but also €2,750 in unnecessary expenses.
A Small Setback, Quickly Resolved
During our inspection, we initially determined that replacing the clutch slave cylinder was unnecessary, as it showed only minor wear. Instead of a full replacement, we reassembled it using a repair kit to avoid unnecessary costs. During test drives, it functioned perfectly, but once the car was in regular use, the part failed unexpectedly. To resolve the issue, we provided a full warranty repair for Attila. We traveled to Budapest, replaced both the clutch master and slave cylinders, and while we were there, we also fine-tuned the idle speed.
A Happy Ending
Since the restoration, Attila and his family have been enjoying the car. While it’s not the most comfortable for long trips, the classic car experience is truly unique, and mechanically, it’s now in perfect condition. To Attila’s surprise, even the heating system works flawlessly—thanks to the skilled and meticulous work of our team. (A small technical detail: a lower-temperature thermostat had been installed in the engine, preventing the coolant from heating up properly, which is why the heating system hadn’t worked before.)
Their plans include attending classic car shows, showcasing the vehicle at Harry Potter-themed events, and even renting it out for weddings.
Attila was thoroughly impressed with the Widi Automotive team:
“They were incredibly helpful from the start, clearly explaining what to expect. Their work was precise and meticulous, with great attention to detail. I especially appreciated how they quickly and flexibly resolved the clutch issue under warranty.”
If you’ve hit a roadblock with your classic car restoration, don’t wait years,
