1971 PILGRIM SPEEDSTER

Speedsters are delighted to offer to market this very rare Pilgrim Speedster.

Finished in Aquamarine Blue Metallic with cream leather, dark blue carpets and dark blue roof.

Based on a shortened 1971 VW Chassis

Only 9,400 Miles

Historic Vehicle status

Right-Hand Drive

Correctly Registered

1641 cc Air cooled twin carburettor VW Engine

This example is believed to have undergone its transformation from donor to Speedster in around 2005/2006. It was anecdotally reported to have been built by Pilgrim themselves for one of their directors.

The current owner has lovingly looked after this car for the last 18 years. She acquired it in October 2007 at around 200 indicated miles. Since then, the car has been driven in the UK and made several trips to France, clocking up some incredible memories and causing a lot of head-turning and waves here and on the continent. It is such a special car – reliable, gorgeous, head-turning.

Exterior

It is in very sound condition overall with the blue paintwork catching and reflecting the light from the numerous compound curves. On close inspection there are some surface imperfections to the paint in places, but you need to be close by to notice these.

As is often the case with recreations, a little variation in panel gaps is noted. This is particularly evident at the leading edges of bonnet and rear engine cover. The fabric hood is finished in contrasting dark blue and is in very good condition. Nevertheless, the car, as with a lot of sports cars, would rather not be driven in the rain! The rear screen is clear, un-fogged and uncracked. The fit of the hood may be improved by reshaping or adjusting the underlying hoops.

The 15-inch steel wheels are finished with deeply chromed and domed hub caps. These are shod in a matching set of Pirelli P3000 period style tyres in 175/65 configuration.

Interior

Door cards and stitched dashboard top roll are dressed in matching hide. Seats and windows function electrically which is the first time we’ve even seen this!

Three-spoke alloy and black leather Mota-Lita steering wheel.

The carpets are finished in dark blue and are edge bound for added durability and luxury. A surprisingly large, carpeted luggage shelf is located behind the seats. In the rear bulkhead a hatch provides access to the battery. Additional, soft-bag storage is available in the nose compartment too, if required. Easily enough space in the car to drive off on holiday with cases in tow.

Mechanical

The rear engine cover lifts to provide access to the 1641cc twin-port VW engine. This breathes through twin carburettors with individual, top mounted free-flow air filters. This enlarged version of the erstwhile 1600 Beetle unit is believed to produce around 90bhp and delivers its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.

The engine bay presents lots of highly polished chromed and alloy components, contrasting strongly with the black inner panels, hoses and ancillaries. The underside of the car is well presented and free from leaks or deformations. There is some minor surface corrosion in places but nothing of consequence. The car has always been garaged throughout its ownership.

History highlights

There is a small archive of paperwork included with the Speedster: V5 registration document, plus some MOTs (not legally required for a vehicle with Historic Vehicle status, but had them done to be sure the car was serviced). Latest MOT expires end May 2025. The car is taxed (“Historic Vehicle” status = free). A few invoices are present. The most recent dates from May 2024 and relates to the last MOT and a couple of associated repairs. A second relates to a service and MOT from 2019. There are also two invoices from the car’s time in France in 2012. These relate to electrical work for the alternator and starter motor. Two keys are also included.

*DISCLAIMERS*

ERRORS

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BUYERS

You are encouraged to take as long as you need to check that car details are accurate before purchasing. Speedsters welcome and encourage independent inspections before purchase.

REPLICAS

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BADGES

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