1954 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta Series II
The Pegaso’s story is unlikely to the point that even Preston Tucker would have scratched his head in wonderment. That a totalitarian dictatorship would decide to further Spain’s reputation by building a world-beating sports car in a state-owned truck factory (ENASA) using a brilliant engineer brought in for the occasion was rather unusual in its own right. That this would be done in a time when Spain was crawling its way back from the economic doldrums of its own civil war and World War II was stranger still. But most surprisingly of all, this unlikely scenario produced an automobile that was no mere flash in the pan but a superb, advanced sports car that incorporated the best of the latest in racing car technology.
It was an in-your-face, unabashed Ferrari challenger, right down to the name; if Ferrari’s horses would prance, then the Spanish horses would fly.
For a while, in the early 1950’s, cars from Pegaso eclipsed even contemporary Ferraris in performance and engineering. The cars were technologically advanced and extremely fast, reaching speeds up to 155 mph, making the 1954 Z-102 the fastest production car offered to the buying public. This particular Pegaso packs a 2.8-liter quad-cam V-8 engine, producing 195 hp. Like all other Pegasos from this era, the bodywork is all bespoke, as buyers had a choice of bodies by Carrozzeria Touring, Saoutchik, or Serra.
A full new interior was expertly fitted using the highest-quality red leather, and the original Podiomatic radio was rebuilt and functions as it did when new, as does the Bosch heater. The grey carpeting and headliner are sharply contrasted by the sleek look of the charcoal grey-painted dash, which is a small work of art in itself. It incorporates Jaeger gauges with beautifully etched glass, Art Deco-inspired Bakelite control knobs, and a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel that has a delicate cross-hatch pattern etched into the three spokes. The harmony of the interior and exterior styling is enhanced by three grilles at the rear of the cabin (two for ventilation and one for the speaker), which are of the same pattern found on the hood scoop grille.
This Z-102 is draped in bodywork designed by Saoutchik, a renowned French coachbuilder who created swoopy, voluptuous designs that populate modern Concours show fields. This particular Pegaso doesn’t maintain a necessarily important history, but exists as an example of what the Spanish brand was capable of at its zenith. There weren’t many made, so even when a basic model makes its way to auction, it’s not to be missed.
One of only three extant Saoutchik Series II Berlinettas that retain their original major components, is among the most historically significant, authentic, and best-preserved Pegasos—and among the most striking. Pure, exquisite rolling sculpture, it is an automobile that grabs one’s attention and holds it for keeps, making it a thrilling acquisition opportunity for an astute enthusiast.
