The first Ford Anglia model, the E04A, was launched on October 31, 1939, as the smallest model in the Ford range manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The Anglia was a simple vehicle, oriented towards the more affordable market segment, with few features.

Most were painted Ford black.

The style was typical of the late 1930s, with a vertical radiator.

Standard and deluxe models were available, the latter having better instrumentation and, in pre-war models, running boards.

The front and rear suspensions used transverse springs and the brakes were mechanical.