1950 Ford V8 Pilot

Registration No: T.B.A
Chassis No: 7243150
MOT: Exempt

• An original UK supplied right-hand drive example
• Subject to a mechanical inspection upon the vendor's purchase
• Benefitting from 12-volt electrics, an electric fuel pump and an electric cooling fan
• Offered with Ford V8 handbook and V5C document

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us this lot is in the process of a number plate transfer and the new V5C will be forwarded to the successful bidder.

Flagship of the post-WW2 Dagenham range, the Ford V8 Pilot was introduced in 1947. Based on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis equipped with transverse leaf-sprung suspension, rugged beam axles and hydro-mechanical drum brakes, the newcomer could be had in saloon, estate or pick-up guises. Effortlessly fast yet surprisingly comfortable, it was powered by a wonderfully torquey 3622cc 85bhp sidevalve V8 engine allied to three-speed manual transmission. Generously proportioned with a 9ft 0.25in wheelbase and 4ft 10in track, the model's transatlantic styling (waterfall grille, voluptuous wings, moulded spare wheel cover etc) saw it cut quite a dash in austere late 1940s Britain. Although better known as a police pursuit vehicle, the V8 Pilot also achieved competition fame when Ken Wharton drove one to victory on the 1950 Tulip and Lisbon rallies. Despite patronage from the royal family (who took delivery of a bespoke estate version), the Big Ford only stayed in production for four years during which time some 22,155 were made (though, today survivors are comparatively few and far between).

An original UK supplied right-hand drive example, the car offered here features the 3.6 litre V8 engine and 4-door Saloon coachwork. At the time of purchase by the vendor, some 8 years ago, he had it mechanically inspected. In ownership, the big postwar Ford V8 Saloon benefitted from 12 volt electrics, an electric fuel pump and an electric cooling fan. The vendor described the Pilot as 'driving well' at the time of consignment. It is offered with the original Ford V8 handbook and the V5C, which records 3 former keepers. The vendor says he expects to drive the Pilot to the sale.

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us this lot is in the process of a number plate transfer and the new V5C will be forwarded to the successful bidder.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760