Ford · 1947–1951

Ford Pilot

The Ford Pilot (Model E71A) is a medium-sized car that was built by Ford UK from August 1947 to 1951. It was effectively replaced in 1951 with the launch of Ford UK's Zephyr Six and Consul models, though V8 Pilots were still offered for sale, being gradually withdrawn during that year. In its production run 22,155 cars were made.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Ford V8 · Successor: Ford Zephyr

All Ford Pilot data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Engine and running gear

The Pilot was the first large post-War British Ford. It was based on the pre-War 22 hp Model 62 chassis, and was initially offered in 1947 with a 2535 cc side-valve 21 hp (66 bhp) V8 engine with the same stroke, but smaller bore, as the 3621 cc 30 hp (82 bhp) V8 engine. Note that this 21 hp engine is different from the 22 hp 2227 cc (63 bhp) V8 engine used in some pre-war Ford cars. Dagenham cast its own version of the US 1937 Model 78, 21 stud, 30 indicated hp, 221 cubic inch/3.6 litre block and probably all ancillaries, most of which had Enfo part numbers. The E71A engine had a number of differences from the 1937 US engine. The block had one frost (core) plug at the rear on each side, just below the heads, the heads had the firing order cast in, the crankshaft had a long snout, allowing for the fitting of double pulley fan belts for trucks, and big end bearings were flanged 1/4 shells (4 per journal). The sump was also different, because it had a pear-shaped locating hole to accommodate the Lucas starter. Exhaust manifolds had a flowing design, which was an improvement on US versions. The E71 30 hp 3622 cc engine developed 81 bhp (60 kW), with a stroke of 3+3⁄4 inches (95 mm) and a bore of 3+1⁄16 inches (78 mm), and was fed by a single Solex carburettor. The engine, with twin-sheave belt pulleys, was also used in Thames trucks. The gearbox had three forward ratios and one reverse, and gears were changed by a gear lever on the steering column. Steering used a form of worm and roller mechanism called a Marles steering box, which had an "hour-glass cam and a double roller". The car was considered old-fashioned even when new, but its front brakes were hydraulically operated. The rear brakes were cable-operated. The Pilot was built with 6-volt Lucas electrics, including t

Australian assembly

Ford Australia introduced the Pilot to Australia in 1949, importing the model in both fully assembled and semi-knocked down form. Initially dearer than the Canadian Ford Custom V8, its price was gradually reduced in relative terms until it was cheaper than the Custom. A coupe utility variant was also produced. The Pilot was sold new in Australia until well into the 1950s. Such importation (along with that of the Ford Prefect and Anglia) was essential in maintaining a presence in that country after a refusal by the then-Federal Government to provide any direct financial assistance to produce a local car (this despite Ford providing a more detailed and comprehensive proposal than GMH, and despite the fact that many millions of pounds had been invested by Ford US in Australian vehicle assembly plants since 1925). Australian vehicles were also exported to New Zealand.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Ford Pilot
Manufacturer: Ford UK
Production: 1947–1951
aka: Ford V8 Pilot
Predecessor: Ford Model 62
Assembly: United Kingdom: Dagenham, East London, Australia: Geelong (Ford Australia)
Successor: Ford Zephyr, Thames E83W (pickup & van)
Class: Mid-size / Large family car (D)
Body style: 4-door saloon , 4-door estate car , 2-door pick-up , 2-door coupe utility, 3-door panel van
Kerb weight: 3200 lb
Engine: 2.2 L V-8 , 3.6 L V-8
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Width: 69.5 in
Wheelbase: 108.25 in
Length: 175 in
Top speed: 130 km/h

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1436966CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_PilotCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1369138608 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ford_V8_Pilot.jpgCC BY-SA 2.5 · Photo: see file page · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.