Nielsen travels back in time: “It’s all leather and old fuel”

Let’s set the scene: it was a time before the war and Henry Ford was itching to build something big, bold and British. He wanted a V8 engine in a car affordable for the everyday man, and when Henry Ford wanted something, he willed it into existence. That’s how the legendary Flathead V8 came to life in 1932, a motor so iconic it basically fathered the entire hot-rodding scene in the US.

But this story is not about America. It’s about a car born out of post-war austerity Britain, where Ford had the vision but not the budget. Still, Ford made it happen, and in the midst of that grey and rationed world, the Ford V8 Pilot that we all know and love, a stunning 3.6-litre V8-powered saloon, rolled out of Dagenham, Essex.

Sure, it wasn’t flashy like the American cars of the time, and its design might have been a few years behind, but its leather interiors, Butler chrome headlamps, Bakelite dashboard, and the Jackall jacking system still made this car have PRESENCE.

With only 22,000 ever made, the V8 Pilot is rare, classy, and brilliant – a beautiful car that never got the attention it truly deserved.

In the latest episode of The Late Brake Show, Jonny Smith does what he does best – he finds an automotive treasure and shares its story with the world. This Ford V8 Pilot sat idle in a garage for nearly 30 years, untouched since its owner parked it in 1996.

Nielsen’s magic touch  

In this episode of The Late Brake Show, the V8, to our surprise, didn’t need a foam party and a pressure wash. It needed care, attention, and gentleness – and Jonny knew that from the start. Luckily, Nielsen was at the scene, ready to spring into action.

Jonny used three products:

Cherry Shampoo

A highly concentrated shampoo, formulated for maximum foaming and cleaning power that leaves your vehicle clean.

Quick Detailer

The Quick Detailer then added that finishing touch, restoring the car’s shine by removing dust, grime, and fingerprints in seconds. These products are perfect for both professional detailers and car enthusiasts who want to achieve showroom-quality results.

Interior Dressing

Providing flawless results every time, Nielsen Interior Dressing leaves a high sheen finish on your vehicle’s plastic, vinyl and rubber, to instantly revive the cockpit’s appearance.