Highlights

• 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

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