1976 Pilgrim Sumo Cobra 427 Replica

Highlights 

• Renowned Pilgrim Sumo MK3 model

• 5.7-litre Chevy V8

• Tried and tested Jaguar running gear

• Fully galvanised chassis

• Low mileage

Overview

Ah, replicas. They've gotten a bad rap over the years with many a shoddy example hitting the streets to the horror of classic car fans the world over, although we’re not going to name and shame here.  

But, automotive abominations aside, a good replica, when done right, can often be arguably better than the real thing. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it's often the case that replicas are modelled on cars that are so far out of reach to most of us that they may as well be on Mars.

A good replica allows us mere mortals to taste a little bit of that exclusivity, albeit as a carbon copy, and a decent facsimile brings with it an inherent usability at a price point that's far more realistic, which can only be a good thing in our eyes. And then there's the mechanicals that are often updated to more modern fare, increasing reliability and potentially performance, too. 

Take the AC Cobra for example. A genuine, original classic Cobra can fetch into the millions but a decent, V8-powered replica would set you back a tiny fraction of that cost, putting it well within the realms of possibility. This Pilgrim Sumo MK3 is a prime example.

Lauded as one of the best AC Cobra replica builders out there, Pilgrim has been linked with building cars since the 1960s, carving out a reputation hand-building Cobra copies, with the Sumo being its most successful model.

This car comes complete with a  5.7-litre Chevy V8 mated to a Tremec TR-3550 five-speed manual gearbox driving power to the rear wheels which helps to retain the feel and performance of those original Cobras. With a fully galvanised chassis and Jaguar running gear, it's a tried and tested setup that's ready to go.

In stunning condition throughout and having covered just 19k miles the car comes complete with oodles of paperwork and an MOT until November so if you're after a proven and dependable Cobra replica, this looks on the money. 

History and documentation

• Built 1996

• Registered on donor vehicle's period 1976 registration

• V5C present and correct

• Pilgrim construction manual and Sumo build handbook (CD) included

• Numerous invoices for parts and work done throughout the car's life

• Advisory-free MOT until 05 Nov 2025

• HPI clear

• 19,115 miles

Interior

• The grey leather upholstery is in excellent condition across the board with no damage to the seats, dashboard or door cards

• Some light marks to the driver's seat

• The contrasting blue carpet appears to be in great shape with no evidence of any water ingress

• Smiths gauges

• Moto-Lita wood rim steering wheel looks to be in top condition

• Cobra-branded gear knob

• Gear shift and handbrake gaiters are wearing well

• Matching grey tonneau cover

• Blue tint sun visors

• Battery cut off switch in boot

• Stainless threshold plates and door hinge trims look great

• The boot area is tidy, though there are some marks to the carpet

• The engine bay presents beautifully and the stainless bulk head, air filter housing, expansion tank and washer bottle, along with all of the chrome accoutrements, are a nice touch

Exterior

• The deep blue paint retains a beautiful lustre and mostly appears free from any marks or blemishes

• The only points to note are a small crack under the roll bar and some superficial light scratch-like marks that can be seen in the paintwork on the back of the car

• All body panels appear straight and free from damage

• No apparent rust

• The chrome trim, including the nudge bars, over riders, wing mirrors and roll bar all look to be in great condition

• Stainless steel four-to-one exhaust collector/side pipes

• Driver and passenger wind deflectors appear free from damage

• 15” period look black and chrome wheels with Cobra-branded valve caps are in great condition but there is some slight kerb rash to the nearside front

• Falken Ziex ZE912 tyres all round and look to be in decent condition

• The underside appears to be in good condition with only some light surface rust to some of the suspension components to note

Mechanical

• 5.7-litre (350ci) Chevrolet V8 engine

• Tremec TR-3550 five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Fully galvanised chassis

• Jaguar running gear

• Mocal oil cooler

• Mallory distributor/ignition

• Edelbrock manifold, air filter and rocker covers

• Braided hoses

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

When it comes to AC Cobra replicas, Pilgrim has been a trusted name for decades and this particular version of its perennially popular Sumo model both looks and sounds the part. It’s a wonderful example of the workmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating such an accurate representation of one of the most iconic cars ever produced. We love it.

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 Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.