A remarkable piece of motoring history has returned to its roots with the Hendy family reacquiring a pristine 1949 Ford Anglia EA94A, a car originally sold by their dealership 75 years ago.
The vintage Ford, with less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, was first sold by Hampshire-based Percy Hendy Ltd in Chandler’s Ford, a business that went on to become Hendy Group, one of the UK’s largest dealership groups headed by Paul Hendy, the fifth-generation CEO.
With over 1,700 employees across 60 locations, today it represents 22 brands including Ford with which it has a historic connection. Percy Hendy opened the UK’s first official Ford dealership in 1910 and the dealership group continues to operate eight Ford showrooms across southern England today.
The historic vehicle was purchased by Rebecca Hendy, chairperson and trustee of the Hendy Foundation, and her sons Will and Ben, who are both actively involved in the group.
First registered in February 1949, the Anglia was sold to Lily Cull of Eastleigh, Southampton, for £319 16s 8d. Known as the lowest-priced four-wheeled car in Britain at the time, the Anglia EA94A was a popular model, with 108,878 units produced between 1949 and 1953.
Despite having two subsequent owners, the car accumulated just 4,463 miles. It was purchased at a South Western Vehicle Auctions sale, complete with its original logbook, sales receipt, manufacturer warranty booklet, and “Ford Eight and Anglia” handbook.
Rebecca Hendy said: “It’s been a joy to bring the car back into the family fold after so many years. It’s fantastic to honour a piece of Hendy history and celebrate our long-standing partnership with the Ford Motor Company.
“We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to South Western Vehicle Auctions for bringing this vehicle to our attention, and to its previous owners for their dedicated care. We vow to give it the attention it deserves while allowing members of the public to see it properly.”
The Hendy Group plans to display the Ford Anglia at its Ford dealerships across southern England in the coming months.
