Highlights
- Built by a Rolls-Royce engineer and in the same ownership ever since
- Nicely detailed car with many now unavailable Cobra replica parts
- Only 32,000 miles since build
- Well regarded Sumo II with reliable 2.8L Ford Cologne V6 fuel injected engine
- One-off handcrafted tan leather interior
- Recently recommissioned after a period in storage
- Voluntary MOT to July 2027 with no advisories
The Appeal
With the value of original Cobras hitting the stratosphere, a well-executed replica is a chance to enjoy these evocative cars without worrying too much about driving them. That’s the story of this 1977 Sumo II, which was built by its Rolls-Royce engineer keeper in the early 1990s and has been enjoyed on trips to Switzerland, Italy and France, including being driven on the Le Mans circuit as part of a cavalcade of Cobras.
We are told that this car was the first Sumo II to receive the fuel-injected Ford Cologne 2.8i V6, with engine work carried out by Burton Power. The builder provided direct feedback to Pilgrim's founder Den Tanner to optimise the chassis fit for future production. The one-off leather interior, based on the Autokraft Mk Cobra design, won a Concours first prize when first exhibited and features numerous handcrafted details including AC logo adjustable pedals, a curved dashboard with period-correct gauge positioning, stainless steel five-louvre side vents, and concealed bonnet and boot hinges. It has also featured on Pilgrim's own show stand.
After a period in storage since 2011, the car has been extensively recommissioned over the past year. Despite being legally exempt as a Vehicle of Historic Interest, it has voluntarily passed its MOT with no advisories. Condition notes are detailed below.
This Cobra replica has enjoyed a colourful life. It is now offered reluctantly and is ready for its next keeper to enjoy.
Key Information
- Mileage: 32,125 miles indicated (figure is since the car was built)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt as a Vehicle of Historic Interest; voluntary test valid to 27th July 2027 with no advisories
- Technical specs: Ford Cologne 2.8i V6 (fuel injected), 4spd Ford Type E Rocket manual gearbox, Granada running gear, high ratio differential
- Paperwork: Registered with DVLA as a Vehicle of Historic Interest; pre-SVA build, V5C, workshop manual, various invoices, typed specification notes
The Detail
- Finished in unpainted black gel coat which is in fair condition with some age to note
- High-quality Pilgrim fibreglass body
- Vendor notes gel coat has some pitting and car could be painted if required
- Vendor states the car presents well, with the patina of 30 years' use
- Windscreen has a crack dating from the mid-1990s, largely obscured by the rear-view mirror stem
- Some glass laminate fogging noted on one edge of the windscreen
- Some areas of pitting present on chrome brightwork
- Chrome front and rear bumpers removed but supplied with car
- Removable roof with tonneau included as shown
- All brake lines, cylinders, discs and pads renewed, with callipers overhauled
- New Cooper tyres fitted to three-piece split rim replica Halibrand 15" alloy wheels
- Fully reconditioned Ford Type E Rocket gearbox
- Engine lightened, balanced and ported by Burton Power
- Galvanised chassis with additional cross bracing
- Bespoke tan interior with red piping and matching red carpets through cabin and boot
- Light fading to cabin carpets but not unsightly
- Willans three-point harnesses and Motolita wood-rim steering wheel
- Weather gear includes hood, side windows and tonneau cover
- Recessed Bluetooth-enabled stereo with quad speakers
Mechanical features:
- Galvanized Chassis with additional cross bracing.
- High-quality fibreglass body mouldings in marine-grade black gelcoat finish
- 3-piece split-rim Replica Halibrand 15" alloy wheels, spinners and new Cooper tyres
- All Stainless side pipes and heat shields
- Lightening, Balancing and Porting engine work by Burton Power
- Cologne V6 will happily rev to 6. 5k and stay there
- Fully reconditioned, super strong 4spd Ford E Type Rocket gearbox
- High ratio differential
- Alloy race radiator with twin electric fans
- Mocal remote oil filter and thermostatically controlled cooler
- Oil system magnetic chip detector from an Aerospace jet engine
- Foam-filled fuel tank and separate anti-surge swirl pot, LP and HP filters
- Spax gas adjustable shocks
- All new brake lines, cylinders, discs, pads and Overhauled calipers
Interior features:
- Willans 3 point harnesses.
- Motolita wood rim steering wheel.
- Full weather gear- hood, side windows and tonneau cover
Unique and handcrafted features of this car advised by seller:
- Correct ride height (rear lowered 1. 5" from standard spec)
- Correct windscreen rake, most are far too upright
- Concealed bonnet and boot hinges
- Curved dashboard with 'correct' positioning of main gauges
- Stainless Steel 5 louvre side vents (not the hideous 3 plastic mouldings)
- Handbrake lever, recessed into the driver's side of the trans tunnel
- Centre tunnel armrest with useful storage under
- Handcrafted AC logo adjustable pedals
- Handcrafted AC logo steering wheel centre piece
- Illuminated heater controls (not the mini sliders typically used in Cobra replicas)
- Leather lined locking glove box
- Recessed Bluetooth-enabled stereo with leather dashboard cover plate & quad speakers
- Fully carpeted boot with space saver spare
- Full heat shield lined engine bay and bonnet underside
- Extensive engine bay removable maintenance access panelling
- Central locking doors solenoids
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