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the launch of Ford UK's Zephyr Six and Consul models, though V8 Pilots were still offered for sale, being gradually withdrawn during that year.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.
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.
thumb|left|180px|1949 or '50 Ford Pilot 3.6 V8 grille badge, Oxfordshire
The E71 30 hp 3622 cc engine developed , with a stroke of and a bore of , 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. Australian vehicles were also exported to New Zealand.
Motor sport
Ken Wharton drove a Ford Pilot to victory in the 1950 Tulip Rally and in the 1950 Lisbon International Rally.
See also
- Ford Prefect – the intermediate family saloon
- Ford Anglia – the cheapest Ford of the range