1977 Pilgrim Sumo

We are delighted to be offering for sale a lovely example of the Sumo Cobra. Built on the chassis of a Jaguar XJC, a common donor car, sitting loud and proud under the bonnet is a trusty Rover V8. This engine has provided sterling service in many a kit car and has even been used by respected sports car manufacturers as TVR.

The Sumo Cobra boasts a slick five-speed gearbox, a side piped exhaust, with Halibrand wheels completing the look.

Our seller took the car in part exchange for a Porsche he owned, the previous owner having enjoyed the car for a little under a year. He hadn’t intended to sell so soon but was lured away by a sporty little number from Stuttgart! During that time he had some servicing and maintenance done, which we document later in this listing.

Sadly, we know little about the car’s earlier life, but such is the condition of this Sumo Cobra, that we think it speaks for itself.

With summer around the corner, what could be nicer than blasting down a country lane, with that lovely V8 soundtrack as a tuneful accompaniment.

What a stunning and head-turning car! The silver grey paintwork positively sparkles and the acres of chrome gleam in the sunlight. Examine the extensive collection of photographs if you don’t believe us. There are a few marks here and there (see pic 291 as an example).

It does presents really well, and we can tell that past owners have clearly loved and cherished the car. The recent MOT history shows modest miles covered, so it is likely to have been a car for high days and holidays. If it were ours, we would be tempted to drive it every day.

The wheels are a mixed bag, with signs of kerbing visible (see pic 149), so some tlc may well be required. Tyres have ample tread.

There is a crack in the top right-hand corner of the windscreen. Our seller informs us that replacements are available from around £225.

Blue and cream – a heady combination! Cream leather contrasts beautifully with the exterior colour and the fine hide used on the seats is as sumptuous as it looks. It’s in good order too with just some delightful patination and creasing. We would be tempted to get some hide food applied to help maintain the leather’s suppleness.

Door cards, dashboard and handbrake gaiter are trimmed to match.

There’s a raft of lovely period style gauges in the dash and the wooden steering wheel is a tactile delight.

The black carpets look to be ok, though perhaps a quick steam clean should bring them back to their best.

We note that the previous owner had new seat belts fitted last year.

The boot, big enough for a little shopping or some squashy bags for a weekend away. Some tidying up of the trim may well be in order.

That powerful Rover V8 fills the engine bay and atop sits an Edelbrock carburettor.

A little time on the cosmetics would not go amiss, such as dealing with the rusty bonnet hinges and the marks elsewhere (pic 238). The engine starts readily, and we are told by the seller that the car drives well.

We always include plenty of photographs of a car’s underside and that is the case here. An odd rusty bracket is all the springs out to us, but judge for yourself.

As already reported, we know little about this lovely car before the previous owner acquired it in March 2022. He had a service done soon after, with new oil, plugs etc.

The following month he had a new water pump and pulley fitted along with a new battery (invoice for £474.52).

The last MoT was carried out in September 2019, a clean pass being obtained after a few issues with the windscreen washers and wipers were rectified. The recorded odometer reading was 1 mile and we note that this has now risen to just 115.

Of course, we would all love an original AC Cobra, but short of winning the lottery that is likely to remain just a dream.

This Sumo Cobra replica is a damn good substitute and with an expected sale price of between £18,000 and £22,000, it is affordable too.

Summer is just around the corner and could there be a nicer car in which to enjoy it? So, get bidding and maybe, just maybe that lucky new owner could be you.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.