Ford V8 Pilot Police Car

Launched in August 1947, the Pilot was the first large post-war Ford and was the flagship of the Dagenham range. Big, imposing and glamourously 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. It was phased out in 1951 by which time some 22,155 had been sold, though good ones are now relatively rare and sought after.

First registered in November 1950, this particular Pilot is definitely one of the good ones. According to the original buff log book and later registration documents, WMD 936 has had just six owners from new: Cyril Rowland of Dorset Square, London NW1 from new until May 1952; the National Employers Mutual General Insurance Association of London EC3 until February 1966; Norman Kay of Rye until 1985 and Vaughan then Trevor Millard of Dagenham (presumably father and son) until April 2010 when it was acquired by the Stondon Motor Museum.

At some point in the past it has been converted into a Police car with all the required emergency lighting, a bell on the front bumper and even a period radio and telephone handset. (A note in the history file states that it was previously in service with the Lancashire Constabulary but this is clearly not the case given the log book evidence.) Appearing to be in very good condition throughout, it has nice straight bodywork, good chrome and a well-preserved beige leather interior which looks to be original. Altogether a lovely old motorcar that is sure to draw lots of attention and would be ideal transport at the Goodwood Revival.