Flagship of the post-WW2 Dagenham range, the Ford V8 Pilot was introduced in 1947.

Based on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis equipped with transverse leaf-sprung suspension, rugged beam axles and hydro-mechanical drum brakes, the newcomer could be had in saloon, estate or pick-up guises.

Effortlessly fast yet surprisingly comfortable, it was powered by a wonderfully torquey 3622cc 85bhp sidevalve V8 engine allied to three-speed manual transmission.

Generously proportioned with a 9ft 0.25in wheelbase and 4ft 10in track, the model's transatlantic styling (waterfall grille, voluptuous wings, moulded spare wheel cover, etc.) saw it cut quite a dash in austere late 1940s Britain.

Although better known as a police pursuit vehicle, the V8 Pilot also achieved competition fame when Ken Wharton drove one to victory on the 1950 Tulip and Lisbon rallies.

Despite patronage from the royal family (who took delivery of a bespoke estate version), the Big Ford only stayed in production for four years ...