The Ford Pilot was the first large post-War British Ford and was manufactured at Dagenham between 1947 and 1951. Based on the pre-War 22hp Model 62 chassis, it was initially offered with a 2227cc side-valve engine, but this was soon replaced with a more generously powered 3622cc side-valve V8 engine – claiming over 80bhp. Only 21,487 units were built and the luxury saloon featured a Bakelite dashboard, ashtray and steering wheel and a Clayton Dewandre heater as standard equipment. The Pilot also has a Jackall automatic jacking system. This particular car was first registered in July 1950. The car was exported to Jersey in 1999, where a detailed restoration was undertaken. The car remained in Jersey until 2021, when it returned to the UK and re-acquired its original UK registration number.

An excellent example of the Ford Pilot, which retains much of the earlier pre-War styling, modified for the post-War market, this is a car which drives and looks very well for an early 50’s classic.

During the 1999 restoration work, the car was professionally re-painted and is still in a very good, presentable condition.

The car retains the original leather seats and interior panelling, with the headlining being restored. The original Bakelite dashboard is complete and in good condition, as are the Bakelite window frames.

Following the extensive restoration in 1999, the car received further major mechanical work in 2016 - a bottom end overhaul, with reground crank; new bearings; new water pump; new clutch and thrust bearing, together with a specialist-restored gearbox. The Ford has only been used sparingly since then. The V8 engine is in excellent running order, starts easily and drives very well.