1985 Pilgrim Sumo Cobra Mark III

Highlights

• In current ownership for 10 years

• Desirable ‘427’ widebody Cobra evocation

• Classic colour combination

• Reported to be in excellent mechanical health

• MoT until April 2026

Overview

Few cars can hold a candle to the iconography of the Cobra; it was a poster car for generations of petrolheads, and remains a ‘hero’ car for legions of enthusiasts across the globe. Unfortunately for most of us mere mortals, ‘real’ Cobras cost the equivalent of a smart house in the West Country, meaning companies such as Kirkland, Dax and Pilgrim enjoy a roaring trade (all V8 puns intended) supplying Cobra evocations to enthusiasts, meaning you can enjoy 99% of the thrill of owning and driving a ‘real’ Cobra at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing on that wonderful V8 sound…

It is the latter of the aforementioned brands that lent their name to this particular Cobra. The ‘Sumo’ has been the principle model in the Pilgrim range since its inception in 1985, and continues to enjoy plentiful success to this day. With its ‘427’ widebody shell and side-exit exhausts, the Sumo evokes the emotions and design that many of us think of immediately when the word ‘Cobra’ is muttered amongst enthusiast circles. 

First registered in 1985, this Cobra has been in the care of its current owner for 10 years now, during which time he has serviced, fettled and enjoyed the car, making the most of that wonderful V8 noise. 

With summer around the corner, and this example having an MoT until April 2026, this could be your opportunity for some good, old-fashioned, V8 sportscar fun in the sun. Good luck!

History and documentation

• Registered 01 Aug 1985

• While there are no servicing records or stamps from our vendor’s time with the car, he advises us that he carried out all required servicing by himself

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• Current MOT expires 26 Apr 2026, with only one minor advisory for a worn rear upper shock absorber bush

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Weber carburettor overhauled in 2014 prior to current ownership

• New clutch cable fitted in 2015

• New ball joints 2016

• New starter motor Sep 2019

• Wet weather hood, side windows and tonneau cover included in sale

Interior

• Linen leather interior in good overall condition with some typical patination

• The driver’s seat lower bolster is heavily worn on the outer edge, due to contact with the seatbelt fastener

• The leather dashboard, door cards and trims are lightly worn in keeping with the cars’ age and milage

• The deep door sills exhibit a few scuffs - typical for a Cobra of any sort

• In the rear, the luggage compartment carpet is stained in a number of places 

• The seller states that the speedometer has developed an intermittent fault, but there are no other reported issues

• Usable in all weathers thanks to the included wet weather equipment

Exterior

• Iconic ‘427’ widebody shell, finished in a timeless colour combination of Black with white stripes with side-exit exhausts

• The paintwork and body look to be in very good overall condition

• At the front, the usual smattering of stone chips is present to the ‘face’ of the car, along with the lower edge of the front panel

• The headlights and light lenses are in good order with no obvious damage

• Elsewhere, the chrome trims - such as those around the headlights, windscreen and bumper overriders - wear a commensurate patina with some slight dulling

• The tonneau cover is in good order, with some light staining from storage

• All four of the Hallibrand wheels - wrapped in Cooper Cobra tyres - present well with no major scuffs or damage, but a polish would be beneficial to bring back the chrome outer barrel

• Underneath, the chassis shows some light corrosion, but nothing that has bothered the MoT examiner

• Overall, a classic Cobra evocation in smart condition that will turn plenty of heads

Mechanical

• 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine, supplied in 1999 from Yorkshire Recons

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear wheel drive

• No reported modifications from standard Pilgrim specification

• The engine bay presents well, with no visual signs of any issues, major leaks or other problems

• The standard Rover rocker covers and air cleaner have been replaced with Cobra / 427-branded items for a period-correct look

• We’re told that the car starts well, sounds great and that there are no known mechanical issues to be aware of 

Summary

Summer weather, V8 noises, the wind in your hair, and that classic Cobra silhouette. It sounds like a recipe for a good time to us, and this Pilgrim Sumo looks to tick all of the boxes. Presented in good but usable condition and with an MoT until April 2026, this Cobra evocation looks to want for nothing more than a little aesthetic TLC, a tank of fuel and the open road. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Poole, Dorset.