1950 Ford Pilot

A splendid Ford Pilot restored eight years ago to a very high standard

Finished in traditional fifties Ford black with dark brown interior and a healthy array of chrome

The speedometer shows a mileage of 60,503 which our vendor believes to be correct

3.6-litre V8 side-valve engine with single Solex carburettor, producing 85bhp

These cars were 'hot rods' in their day and can cruise all day at 70mph

Launched in August 1947, the Pilot was the first large post-war Ford and was the flagship of the Dagenham range.

Big, imposing and glamorously Transatlantic, if somewhat pre-war in its styling, it was actually a development of the 1930s Ford Model 62. Initially offered with a 2,227cc side-valve engine from the 1939 model (Canadian-made surplus stock from wartime production of Bren gun carriers), these were then replaced with a much larger 3.6-litre V8 side-valve engine with single Solex carburettor, producing 85bhp. Allied to three-speed and reverse column-change manual transmission, this gave the car a top speed of 85mph with bags of torque for relaxed touring.

Steering used a form of worm-and-roller system known as a Marles steering box. The brakes were somewhat unconventional, with hydraulically controlled front brakes, but cable-operated rear brakes. The Pilot used vacuum-driven wipers taking their power from the engine manifold; as a result, they tended to slow drastically or even stop when full throttle was used under load. Unfortunately, the car retained 6-volt electrics which, on most other cars, had largely been superseded by 12-volt systems after the war. Costing £585, it was considered rather good value at the time given its impressive performance.

The Pilot was offered with three main body styles; a four-door saloon, an estate, and a pick-up. Mechanically perhaps not the most exciting car of its day (indeed somewhat old-fashioned, in the eyes of some), it was however rugged, decently quick and comfortable. It was popular with the police and even attracted royalty - the Windsors had a specially made estate version that they retain to this day, displayed in the museum at Sandringham. The Pilot also achieved some sporting success and Ken Wharton drove one to victory in the 1950 Tulip and Lisbon Rallies.The Pilot was effectively replaced in 1951 with the launch of Ford UK's Zephyr Six and Consul models, though V8 Pilots were still offered for sale, being gradually withdrawn during that year. During the period of manufacture 22,155 cars were produced, though good ones are now relatively rare and sought after.

Offered here is a splendid Ford Pilot restored eight years ago to a very high standard. Finished in traditional fifties Ford Black with a Dark Brown interior and a healthy array of chrome. It still retains its original registration. The speedometer shows a mileage of 60,503 which our vendor believes to be correct. There has certainly been mechanical resource ploughed into making this saloon as good as possible.

Don't be fooled by initial appearances, these cars were 'hot rods' in their day and can cruise all day at 70mph. This lovely fifties Ford Pilot V8 instantly 'smacks' as door-to-door transport to the Goodwood Revival in 2019 ... classic cars have express entry!