Year: 1954 Make: Ford Model: Pilot V8 Van Registration: STJ 228 Chassis No: 7263990 Engine No: 7263990 Mileage: tba Introduced by Henry Ford in March 1932, this was the worlds’ first mass-produced V-8, the legendary ‘Flathead’.

With two banks of four cylinders set at 60° apart and a capacity of 3,622cc, it developed 65bhp in its initial single carburettor form.

The ‘Flathead’ was highly amenable to tuning and rapidly became the engine of choice within America’s speed community and post-war, the standard bearer for the world of hot rodding.

Post-war, the British Ford arm launched the new Pilot saloon featuring hydro mechanical brakes, a built-in jacking system and a column gear change.

Initially equipped with the tax efficient 22hp motor, Dagenham soon reverted to the 3,622cc version.

Power was up to 85bhp at 3,800rpm and the V8’s famous flexibility more than compensated for a three-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the upper two ratios; indeed, it was marketed as ‘a truly top-gear...