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| Lot number | 123 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £11,000 |
| Description | Ford V8 Pilot |
| Registration | GTM 500 |
| Year | 1949 |
| Colour | Dark Blue Metallic |
| Engine size | 3,622 cc |
| Chassis No. | 7201846 |
| Engine No. | 7201846 |
| Documents | V5C; MOT November 2016 |
Launched in August 1947, the Pilot was the first large post-war Ford and was the flagship of the Dagenham range.
Imposing of stature and glamorously Transatlantic in its styling, it was actually a development of the pre-war Model 62 but fitted with a much larger 3.6-litre V8 side-valve engine producing 85bhp. Allied to three-speed column-change manual transmission, this gave the car a top speed of some 85mph with bags of torque for relaxed touring.
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. The Pilot also achieved some sporting success and Ken Wharton drove one to victory in the 1950 Tulip and Lisbon Rallies.
Effectively replaced in 1951 with the launch of Ford UK's Zephyr Six and Consul models, Pilots were still offered for sale, being gradually withdrawn during that year. During the four-year period of manufacture 22,155 cars were produced, though good ones are now relatively rare and sought after.
Dating from January 1949, this impressive Pilot has been in the current ownership since 1999 and has been extensively restored over that period including a bare metal repaint in dark blue metallic and a full interior retrim with smart biscuit leather upholstery and a new headlining about 10 years ago.
More recently the engine had a top-end overhaul at a cost of some £2,900, the radiator was recored and it has recently been given a full service with new hoses, a new coil and various other parts. A new exhaust has also been recently fitted along with a new carburettor and fuel pump.
Very little used during the current 16-year ownership apart from attending the occasional show and doing a couple of weddings, the car is said to run and drive well with an MOT until November 2016. Spacious and comfortable, it would make ideal transport to the Goodwood Revival next summer.
PS: This car has also had a 12v conversion.
