MARCH: 1950 FORD PILOT

A major misconception that’s still doing the rounds is that early E71A Ford Pilots similar to the one owned by George Muggeridge used a Canadian-built war surplus flat head V8 power unit but the actual truth is that this 1950-built Pilot is powered by a Dagenham built unit. After looking at several run-down Pilots, George came across this treasured example but the car let him down badly soon after he got it home when the heater matrix burst. Fortunately, this was an easy fix and since George has owned his Pilot, the car’s proved to be a popular choice with local bridal parties. Like most big Ford built in the early 'Fifties, the Pilot has a three-speed ‘box but as the car’s 3622cc V8 produces so much torque, George reckons that once the car is in top he doesn’t have to change down too often.