Highlights
- Beautiful original interior
- Comes with a large quantity of spare parts
- 3.6-litre V8 engine
The Appeal
This is a charming example of a V-8 Pilot, which comes with an interesting history. The vendor tells us that it used to be owned by an RAF fighter pilot, who took it with him when he was posted to Germany.
It has a beautifully original interior, with excellent upholstery and even its original rear window blind. The dashboard and pull-switches are excellent examples of mid-century design, along with the rest of the styling.
The 3.6-litre flathead V8 provides ample power to the rear wheels through a three-speed transmission. And with a top speed of 80mph, it’s perfectly capable of keeping up with modern traffic.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 4th November 1950
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- V5C in vendor’s name
- The V-8 Pilot Instruction Book - two editions
- Extensive invoices for parts and servicing
- Hand-written correspondence
- Previously owned by an RAF fighter pilot, who took the car with him while stationed in Germany
The Interior
- The interior of this Pilot is a beautiful time capsule
- The upholstery is original, with a little cracking
- Driver’s seat has had a seam repair
- Handy storage drawers underneath the front seats
- Original headlining
- The carpets and door cards have been replaced
- Ivory coloured Bakelite pull switches
- Column gear shift leaves plenty of space for front passengers
- Leather covered steering wheel, with chrome horn ring
- Silk rope door pulls and handles
- Spacious boot to the rear
- 12V charging socket and electric screenwash pump added
The Exterior
- Fantastic mid-century styling
- Imposing chrome radiator grille
- Stylised aeroplane bonnet ornament
- Chrome plating in generally good condition, with a little light pitting
- The paint shows some micro blistering in places
- It was originally painted black
- A few age-related chips and scratches
- Indicators fitted
- Blue spot lamps
- The underneath appears to be in good condition, with little corrosion to be seen
- Steel wheels finished with smart chrome hubcaps, the tyres are said to retain good tread
The Mechanics
- 3.6-litre flathead V8 engine
- Three-speed manual transmission
- Some wiring additions have been made, including a fusebox
- A high capacity battery has been fitted in the boot
- ‘Jackall’ integrated jacking system - the rear jacks are functional and the front jacks are untested
- Comes with a large collection of spare parts
- Front axle
- Electronic distributor
- Two water pumps
- Various steering parts, some new
- Eight exhaust valves
- Rare valve removal tool
- Two new head gasket sets
- Exhaust manifold
- Various other parts
- The vendor tells us that the car drives very well, changes gear smoothly and brakes well
- Said to start very readily hot or cold
- Electric radiator fan
- Twin stainless steel exhausts
- No reported leaks
- Serviced by the owner with an oil change not many miles ago
- The spark plugs, points, condenser and HT leads have reportedly been changed recently
Summary
A charmingly patinated V-8 Pilot, with an interesting history and a wonderfully original interior.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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