A charming example of the UK’s most popular AC Cobra Replica
Based on reliable and attainable Ford components and parts
A lightly used car having covered a remarkably low 17,506 miles
The Appeal
The AC Cobra was one of those rare cars that became an instant classic almost from its launch in 1962. The combination of stylish and curvaceous British coupe body and muscular American V8 power provided an irresistible lure to autophiles the world over. Low production volumes meant that demand outstripped supply from the very start. This led to the original cars becoming very valuable very quickly.
This rarity and high value soon spawned a world-wide Cobra replica market with the AC Cobra very soon becoming the most reproduced replica car in history. One of the UK’s main proponents of Cobra replica production is Pilgrim Motorsports of West Sussex. The business had started as an engineering concern based from a domestic garage in about 1960. By the 1980’s the business had grown to produce Cobra replicas in the shape of the Pilgrim Sumo. To date over 12,000 Sumos have been sold and the company is still active selling kits and a full range of Sumo spares and parts.
This example presents very well with a sublime, recently refitted leather interior. This example features the erstwhile 2.3L V6 Ford Cologne engine helping to provide more than ample urge and drama without the complexity and associated running costs of the more common V8 iterations.
The History and Paperwork
This Pilgrim Sumo was based on a 1978 Ford Cortina donor car
The Sumo conversion was understood to have been carried out in 1991
The registration documents refer to the date of the donor vehicle
This lends the Sumo the benefit of Historic Vehicle status
As such the car is VED and MOT exempt in the UK
This Sumo is showing having had 10 previous owners on DVLA records
Some of these may well refer to the original donor car
Assuming the car was converted in 1991, only five owners apply since then
The current owner acquired the Sumo in September 2017
At that time the Sumo was showing around 16,700 miles
The Sumo comes with an extensive archive of paperwork
The V5 registration document is present
As mentioned, the Sumo is MOT exempt so holds no current test
Numerous earlier MOTs in hard copy are present, verifying mileage
The rest of the archive consists of an impressive number of maintenance invoices
These appear to cover all periods of the Sumo’s history
The Interior
The interior of this Cobra replica is quite faithful to its inspiration’s quite spartan interior
Despite that, what is here is exquisitely trimmed in striking red leather
The interior was retrimmed two years ago with leather imported from Italy
The interior consists of two, cosseting bucket seats
These feature box pleated centre sections with smooth leather bolsters
The carpets are original and present in black
These appear to be in a good, undamaged condition
The dashboard is lightly padded and finished in the same red leather
A range of period look VDO white on black gauges and dials populate the dash
A large alloy, three spoke steering wheel is fitted with a wooden rim
This is centred with a Cobra emblem
Tinted sunshades and adjustable three-quarter wind deflectors are fitted
A zipped full tonneau cover is also included as is a full, black vinyl hood
A good sized, carpeted boot is present making this car more practical than you may expect
This is also home to the spare wheel, jack and tools
The car exudes a classic British sports car ambiance
The Exterior
Part of the instant magic of the original Cobra was the curvy AC coupe body
The Pilgrim replicas are very faithful to that original design
That makes this is a curvaceous and attractive replica
The fibreglass body is well finished, and the black paintwork is deep and lustrous
The owner reports a few minor marks which have been photographed
He also notes the car used to wear stripes and their position can be seen on close inspection
The body work appears very good overall, and the panel gaps are good for a replica car
The big flared rear arches are fronted with alloy protection plates
The front flanks feature the signature “shark-gill” air vents
The front and rear of the car are protected by tubular chromed bar type bumpers
A chunky, tubular roll-over bar is fitted for added protection
Twin, chromed side pipes with polished heat shields are fitted
The 15-inch Image International alloy wheels are in a decent condition and present well
The rear wheels are fitted with 225/60 tyres and the fronts with 215/60s
These are white lettered Cooper Cobra Radial G/T items
These features combine to make this a very distinctive and head-turning car
The Mechanics
Pilgrim Sumos from this period were extensively based on Ford donor cars
This gives the Sumo a ready supply of spares and upgrades if needed
This particular car is powered by the Ford 2.3L V6 Ford Cologne engine
The power produced by the V6 engine is ample to give this light car a very sporting feel
The owner confirms that the Sumo has been regularly serviced
It was most recently serviced in July 2023 at Whitegates Garage
In addition to routine maintenance, other upgrades have been performed
These include a new clutch, alternator and battery in the last 18 months
The owner reports that the car runs and drives very well indeed
No known mechanical issues were reported
Summary
This is a great example of a Cobra replica, and it should tick all the boxes for the new owner. Based on proven Ford components and with Pilgrim still providing parts and support means that this is a futureproofed replica with much enjoyment and pleasure still to give. The car is in great condition, too and has been very lightly used and well maintained.
This replica further benefits from a superb, retrimmed interior in a striking red leather. The level of supporting, provenance providing paperwork should give the new owner much reassurance over the diligent care this car has enjoyed. A great prospect for the enthusiast and an ownership opportunity, surely, too good to miss
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
