Fifties flair for well under £10k
Why the V8 Pilot is still a savvy buy
CAR 1951 Ford Pilot SOLD £6600 ORIGINAL ESTIMATE £6-7.5k, Barons, 14 December 2021 It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but it is a rare car now.
Some might argue that the Pilot is a bit of a niche classic, especially so because it is fundamentally a prewar car – and it’s that fairly limited audience on today’s classic market that holds prices back for all but the very best examples below the £10k mark. As it aged it was still a popular bomb-site car lot buy before so many ended up on the stock car circuit. Some lucky survivors found favour with 1970s hot rodders who recognized the Pilot’s flathead V8 coolness and from there the model found enduring respectability in the classic scene. Examples aren’t commonly seen in auctions today although this was one of two in Barons’ pre-christmas sale.
It was generally in good nick.
Here was a good example of a car needing work but being a first-rate starting point, Barons saying that it was ‘in the main very sound.’ It had been used regularly until being put on a SORN in May last year. There were some small areas of corrosion, these being to all four wings and one side of the bonnet. Generally, however, the bodywork was pretty good, with decent panel fit and good brightwork – of which there is much on a Pilot, the dark red and black paint was presentable enough and the unique hubcaps all in place. The engine bay was fair and could have easily been improved with some elbow grease.
It was complete inside, but needed a bit of work.
The leather seat facings had lasted well bar a small split in the front and the door cards were tidy, bar that of the driver’s door. The headlining was complete but needed a good clean while the carpets were in dire need of replacement.
It was a sensible buy at this sort of money.
There’s no denying the
Pilot’s personality and this example could have been greatly improved with a little time, effort and expenditure. Nevertheless it was great opportunity as presented and bought well at this price.