Ford V8 Pilot 'Woody' Estate

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Produced from 1947 to 1951, Ford’s rugged Pilot saloon was created by pepping-up the pre-war 2.2-litre Model 62 with a much larger 3.6-litre V8.

The world's first mass-produced V8, the legendary 'Flathead' was introduced by Henry Ford in March 1932. With two banks of four cylinders set at 60 degrees apart and a capacity of 3,622cc, it developed 65bhp in its initial single carburettor form. The ‘Flathead' was highly amenable to tuning and rapidly became the engine of choice in America’s emerging hot rod culture.

Post-war, Ford’s British arm launched the new V8 Pilot saloon featuring hydro mechanical brakes, a built-in jacking system and a column gear change. Initially equipped with the tax efficient 22hp motor from the Model 62, Dagenham soon reverted to the 3,622cc version. With 85bhp on tap at 3,800rpm, the V8's famous flexibility more than compensated for a three-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the upper two ratios; indeed it was marketed as "a truly top-gear car...un-baffled by the steepest hills, unruffled by slow traffic speeds".

Costing £585 it was outstanding value for a car that could cruise at 60mph carrying six people in comfort on the bench seats and return 20mpg. No wonder the Pilot found favour with the Police as an effective load lugger and a high-speed pursuit vehicle.

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the launch of Ford UK's Zephyr Six and Consul models, though V8 Pilots were still offered for sale, being gradually withdrawn during that year.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. Rarest of all was the semi-coachbuilt estate or 'Woody' variant, one of which was presented to King George VI in 1951 and fitted with a floor-mounted gear change which His Majesty preferred and survives in the museum at the Sandringham Estate.

Acquired only recently by the Stondon Museum from the same stable as the other Ford Pilot in the sale, this rare ‘Woody’ Estate was first registered in April 1950 and comes with its original buff log book documenting all previous keepers. The original was Messrs W & C French Ltd, a civil engineering company responsible for building many of the RAF airfields during the Second World War. It stayed within the French family until it migrated to the English Riviera, having three further keepers in Devon and spending a number of years at The Red Lion Hotel in Broadclyst, near Exeter. Eventually, it found its way back to Essex and came to rest at the museum only a few years ago.

Imposing and capacious, it would make perfect transport to the Goodwood Revival this summer and would also be a great conveyance for shooting parties on a country estate.