AC - Shelby Cobra Ford Pilgrim RHD V8 - 1979

15
days
14
hours
15
minutes
48
seconds
Current bid
€ 11,500
Reserve price not met
Franco Vigorito
Expert
Selected by Franco Vigorito

Seasoned classic car expert with COO experience at Ferrari Hill Climb Racing Team.

Estimate  € 60,000 - € 70,000
48 other people are watching this object
FRBidder 1823
€11,500
ESBidder 7390
€11,000
PTBidder 3966
€10,500

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1979 Shelby Cobra Ford Pilgrim Sumo V8 3.5 Rover, right-hand drive, automatic transmission, blue, Italian registration.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Shelby Cobra Ford – Pilgrim Sumo – V8 3.5 Rover – Fully Restored – 1,800 Miles – year 1979
Right-hand drive - Automatic transmission.
An authentic timeless icon: this Pilgrim Sumo, faithful replica of the legendary Shelby Cobra 427, has undergone a complete restoration meticulously cared for in every aesthetic and mechanical detail.
The Rover V8 3.5-liter engine now has about 1,800 total miles, of which only 200 were driven after the full overhaul carried out during the restoration (2023–2025). The sound is full and deep, with the classic release crackle typical of the best English replicas.
The car is regularly registered as a 1979 Pilgrim (Italian license plate), exempt from tax and super tax in Lombardy.
BODYWORK AND PAINT
The body has been finished in its vintage metallic blue with a double white stripe. The work was performed by an artisan with over fifty years of experience in restoring historic vehicles. The paint is in excellent condition, uniform and glossy.
There are no scratches, dents, rust, or signs of accidents. The chassis does not require welding and shows no structural interventions since the restoration. The chromework is perfect, including the side exhausts. Gaskets and rubber components are in excellent condition. Lights and lenses free of opacity or cracks.
Soft-top present in excellent condition; only the Backdraft Racing frame is required to mount it along with the related clips that were removed during restoration by the body shop to enhance the car’s aesthetics.

TECHNICAL CONDITION
Rover V8 3.5 engine fully overhauled by a specialized carburetor tuner. Smooth starting both cold and warm. No oil, water, or fuel leaks. Smooth and precise gear changes.
Brake system in excellent condition, suspensions efficient and free of noise. Pads and discs in perfect condition.
New wheels just installed and new tires mounted to complete the restoration. Precise and stable handling, without vibrations.
Recent maintenance: carburetor overhaul (2025), replacement of fluids and filters, overall electrical system check; indicators for turn signals, odometer, and tachometer and brake lights remain to be verified.

INTERIOR CONDITION
The interiors have been completely reworked in premium leather hand-stitched: seats, door panels, center tunnel and bespoke leather details.
The dashboard is restored and the instrumentation is functional. On the passenger side are original Tag Heuer chronographs of the era. Custom-made leather mats in the process of completion.
Electrical system: fans, switches and indicators functioning; only turn signals, brake light and tachometer/odometer remaining to complete.
Two steering wheels included: one black three-spoke installed and a second vintage wheel with a wooden rim.

DOCUMENTATION
Origin: London, year of manufacture 1979.
UK first registration: 01/05/2000.
Italian registration: 23/08/2013.
Restoration started 01/06/2023 and completed 10/10/2025.
Photographic documentation, invoices and work records available (personal data redacted). Soft-top present and additional spare parts included. Historic vehicle of interest.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Unique example, finished by specialized professionals. A Cobra of high quality, powerful, dramatic, built and restored to be reliable and usable.

Included blue indoor satin-cotton cover with Shelby Cobra logo.
Included photographic collectible material stored in the Cobra’s trunk.

CHASSIS: SABTVR03219246001
Vehicle viewable in Como, Italy.
VEHICLE PICKUP:
Vehicle pickup is arranged at the seller’s home, by prior agreement between the parties.
If the buyer cannot or does not wish to personally collect and hires a transporter or a trusted shipping service, that assignment will be understood to be undertaken under the buyer’s exclusive responsibility.
From the moment the vehicle is delivered to the carrier hired by the buyer, any risk related to transport, including possible damage, defects that arise, loss or issues occurring during transfer, will be entirely the buyer’s responsibility.
The seller will not be liable in any way for damages or disputes related to transport organized by the buyer.

Shelby Cobra Ford – Pilgrim Sumo – V8 3.5 Rover – Fully Restored – 1,800 Miles – year 1979
Right-hand drive - Automatic transmission.
An authentic timeless icon: this Pilgrim Sumo, faithful replica of the legendary Shelby Cobra 427, has undergone a complete restoration meticulously cared for in every aesthetic and mechanical detail.
The Rover V8 3.5-liter engine now has about 1,800 total miles, of which only 200 were driven after the full overhaul carried out during the restoration (2023–2025). The sound is full and deep, with the classic release crackle typical of the best English replicas.
The car is regularly registered as a 1979 Pilgrim (Italian license plate), exempt from tax and super tax in Lombardy.
BODYWORK AND PAINT
The body has been finished in its vintage metallic blue with a double white stripe. The work was performed by an artisan with over fifty years of experience in restoring historic vehicles. The paint is in excellent condition, uniform and glossy.
There are no scratches, dents, rust, or signs of accidents. The chassis does not require welding and shows no structural interventions since the restoration. The chromework is perfect, including the side exhausts. Gaskets and rubber components are in excellent condition. Lights and lenses free of opacity or cracks.
Soft-top present in excellent condition; only the Backdraft Racing frame is required to mount it along with the related clips that were removed during restoration by the body shop to enhance the car’s aesthetics.

TECHNICAL CONDITION
Rover V8 3.5 engine fully overhauled by a specialized carburetor tuner. Smooth starting both cold and warm. No oil, water, or fuel leaks. Smooth and precise gear changes.
Brake system in excellent condition, suspensions efficient and free of noise. Pads and discs in perfect condition.
New wheels just installed and new tires mounted to complete the restoration. Precise and stable handling, without vibrations.
Recent maintenance: carburetor overhaul (2025), replacement of fluids and filters, overall electrical system check; indicators for turn signals, odometer, and tachometer and brake lights remain to be verified.

INTERIOR CONDITION
The interiors have been completely reworked in premium leather hand-stitched: seats, door panels, center tunnel and bespoke leather details.
The dashboard is restored and the instrumentation is functional. On the passenger side are original Tag Heuer chronographs of the era. Custom-made leather mats in the process of completion.
Electrical system: fans, switches and indicators functioning; only turn signals, brake light and tachometer/odometer remaining to complete.
Two steering wheels included: one black three-spoke installed and a second vintage wheel with a wooden rim.

DOCUMENTATION
Origin: London, year of manufacture 1979.
UK first registration: 01/05/2000.
Italian registration: 23/08/2013.
Restoration started 01/06/2023 and completed 10/10/2025.
Photographic documentation, invoices and work records available (personal data redacted). Soft-top present and additional spare parts included. Historic vehicle of interest.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Unique example, finished by specialized professionals. A Cobra of high quality, powerful, dramatic, built and restored to be reliable and usable.

Included blue indoor satin-cotton cover with Shelby Cobra logo.
Included photographic collectible material stored in the Cobra’s trunk.

CHASSIS: SABTVR03219246001
Vehicle viewable in Como, Italy.
VEHICLE PICKUP:
Vehicle pickup is arranged at the seller’s home, by prior agreement between the parties.
If the buyer cannot or does not wish to personally collect and hires a transporter or a trusted shipping service, that assignment will be understood to be undertaken under the buyer’s exclusive responsibility.
From the moment the vehicle is delivered to the carrier hired by the buyer, any risk related to transport, including possible damage, defects that arise, loss or issues occurring during transfer, will be entirely the buyer’s responsibility.
The seller will not be liable in any way for damages or disputes related to transport organized by the buyer.

Details

Brand
AC
Model Type
Shelby Cobra Ford Pilgrim RHD V8
Year
1979
Located in
Italy (North)
Mileage reading
1800 mi
Registration papers
with Italian registration
Transmission
Automatic
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Blue
Horse Power
220
Cubic capacity
3500
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
Yes
Date until valid MOT
June 30, 2026
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Excellent: requiring no conventional body or paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Excellent: no missing, broken, or damaged parts that require replacement
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
ItalyVerified
Private

Disclaimer

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

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