Ford V8 Pilot 'Woodie'

• Likely the sole LHD Pilot Woodie in existence
• One of only 4 original 'Gaze' bodied Shooting Brakes
• Flathead V8 with a 3-speed, column change
• Built by Hollers in Bristol (Ford Dealers)
• One of believed less than 10 surviving V8 Pilot Woodie Shooting Brakes
• Originally rescued & restored in Hampshire in 1986
• Presented beautifully in period Green with Green interior

The Ford Pilot was the first large car produced by Ford following the Second World War. It proved a popular model which remains beloved today with is combination of elegant, American lines and its not insignificant American power. The Pilot was powered by Ford’s legendary Flathead V8, widely renowned as one of the greatest engines of all time due to its simplicity and bulletproof reputation. It was the first widely produced V8 that brought this once exclusive power plant to the masses, initially in the USA. The Pilot was the car that really brought the V8 to the UK and proved to be a success with virtually everyone. They were a favourite of UK Police forces due to their power which also proved useful for rally driver Ken Wharton who drove a Pilot to victory in the 1950 Tulip Rally and in the 1950 Lisbon International Rally. The car even had the royal seal of approval when King George took delivery of a stylish, Coach-built Pilot “Woodie” Shooting Brake. This Brake remains at the Sandringham Museum and leads us onto the topic of Pilot Woodies. 

Whilst largely associated with America, “Woodie” Station Wagons and Shooting Brakes were also a popular bodystyle in the UK for a plethora of reasons, one being that they could be classified as commercial vehicles which would make them exempt from purchase tax which, from the Second World War onwards was levied at 33% of the price of all new cars. Commercial vehicles such as Woodies were not subject to this taxation. As a result of this, Woodies became immensely popular and conversions were carried out on anything from Austins and Rileys to Bentleys and Rolls-Royces.  

The tax benefits of a Woodie were still very much in place by the early 1950s and so a number of Ford Pilots were converted to Woodies by a plethora of UK Coachbuilders with our magnificent example having been constructed by Hollers of Bristol, who were Ford Dealers at the time. Little is known as to whether they produced any other Pilot Woodies but what is known is how rare Pilot Woodies were in period and how shockingly rare they are today with 10 examples believed to still exist, all of varying coachwork. Of these rare few survivors, we know only of one other LHD example and we believe this to be the only example in Europe. The car was discovered on a farm in deepest Wiltshire in 1986 by a Mr Dave Leach who rescued the Pilot and restored it to its former glory and was further restored in 2003. The car has been clearly looked after and still presents beautifully today.  

This lovely Ford Pilot Woodie makes for a particularly excellent choice for anyone who has their heart set on a classic Woodie with its blend of American styling and powertrain with its British coachbuilt body and its more useable European sizing. It also represents astonishing rarity and you’d be unlikely to come across another. Finally, we have and have had many different models that have historically proved Royal favourites, whether those be Aston Martins, Rolls-Royces, Alvises and Rovers but none are as rare and frankly unique as this Ford Pilot Woodie. 

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call for more information.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.