1951 Ford V8 Pilot ‘Woody’

For sale by auction on Saturday 07 March 2015 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
The world's first mass-produced V-8. br/>the legendary 'Flathead'. was introduced by Henry Ford in March
1932. With two banks of four cylinders set at 60° apart and a
capacity of 3. 22cc. it developed 65bhp in its initial single
carburettor form. The 'Flathead' was highly amenable to tuning and
rapidly became the engine of choice within America's speed
community and post war the standard bearer for the world of hot
rodding.

Ford also produced a smaller version
of 2. 28cc (the 22hp. Model 62) aimed at the French and British
markets using the same block with smaller bores which due to its
long stroke and lower gearbox ratios was of considerably inferior
performance.

Post-war. the British Ford arm
launched the new Pilot saloon featuring hydro mechanical brakes. a
built-in jacking system and a column gear change. Initially
equipped with the tax efficient 22hp motor. Dagenham soon reverted
to the 3. 22cc version. Power was up to 85bhp at 3. 00rpm and the
V-8'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. The Pilot's
performance credentials were underlined by their use as Police
high-speed pursuit vehicles and Ken Wharton's victories in the 1950
Lisbon and Tulip Rallies.

Increasingly rare is the semi-coach
built 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.

This example has been in a private
collection of classic Fords for the last four years and kept in a
heated garage. It has covered only a nominal mileage in the
vendor's hands and is presented in sound and largely original
condition. The engine starts readily and settles to a quiet and
smooth idle. We are informed that the car drives well but would
benefit from light re-commissioning prior to being enjoyed on the
road again. This Pilot 'Woody' represents a rare opportunity to
acquire an exceptionally spacious and powerful early post war motor
car which would be equally at home carrying a shooting party or in
the paddock at Goodwood.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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