1950 Ford V8 Pilot Saloon
Registration no. ESN 110 Chassis no. 7241515

Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale: Event Cancelled: All Lots Listed Still Available for Sale until 17:00 GMT Sunday 29th March|29 March 2020, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1950 Ford V8 Pilot Saloon
Registration no. ESN 110
Chassis no. 7241515

*Model unique to the UK
*One of the more capable family saloons of its day
*Restored circa 2002
*Highly original

Footnotes

Produced from 1947 to 1951, Ford's rugged Pilot saloon was created by pepping-up the pre-war 2.2-litre Model 62 with the larger 3.6-litre V8. The V8 engine was no novelty when Henry Ford introduced the Ford V8 in 1932, but never before had such an engine been produced successfully in large numbers and at so low a price. V8 styling followed the lines of the superseded Model A, but with an extra 25bhp on tap the newcomer boasted a level of performance in an entirely different league. Engine development proceeded at a brisk pace and by the mid-1930s the V8's initial problems had been overcome and maximum power raised to 85bhp.

By this time Ford's UK operation had moved from Trafford Park in Manchester to Dagenham in Essex where production of the V8 commenced in 1932, coincidentally with that of the 8hp Model Y. Dagenham's V8 was produced in several variations as the 1930s decade progressed, the Pilot's direct ancestor first appearing in 1937 in the form of the unique-to-the-UK Model 62, which deployed the 22hp (2,227cc) 'flat head' motor in a short-wheelbase chassis.

When civilian production recommenced after WW2, the Model 62 was revived as the Pilot. Originally intended to use the under-powered 2½-litre V8 of pre-war days, the Pilot reached production with the tried and tested 3.6-litre V8 under the bonnet, Ford's change of mind thereby creating one of the more capable family saloons of the era. One of the Pilot's more unusual features was its braking system, which combined hydraulic operation at the front with mechanical at the rear, while its built-in hydraulic jacks were unique among Fords.

Finished in white with maroon leather interior, this Pilot has had relatively few owners and is believed to be very low mileage. Restored circa 2002, it is arguably one of the best and most original Ford V8 Pilots still in existence. The vendor confirms there is no sign of rust apparent and the car is said to drive very well, while the built-in jacking system is in working order. Described again by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, the car is offered with tool kit, a quantity of expired MoTs, original handbooks, and a V5C Registration Certificate.

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