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As the only series production model manufactured at Cunningham's Palm Beach, Florida factory, the C3 was a hot rod in European disguise. Coming from one of the first American companies to manufacture for and compete in European endurance racing, Briggs Cunningham needed to produce 25 examples to be eligible for LeMans in 1953. In total, five cabriolets and 20 coupes were created.
This Cunningham C-3 was shipped to Carrozzeria Vignale in late September 1952. It returned to the United States in March 1953, where it underwent final assembly in preparation for delivery. When it left the Cunningham factory, it was finished in Cunningham's classic three-tone color scheme with a tan upper section, blue panels and a black main section. The interior was finished with tan trim and outfitted with a Mopar radio and heater. The first owner, Jack B. Hinkle, took possession of the car sometime after May 1953.
It is believed that the Cunningham remained in his care until 1957 when it was sold to Larry Bass. The history of the car from that point until the early 1980s is not really known. By that time in history, the car was in the car of Melvin Olshansky, owner of the Volo Museum. Shortly after receiving the car, it was treated to an exhaustive restoration that is said to have taken eight years. It received an AACA National First Prize at the Hershey Meet in 1993.
In 2006, the current owner acquired the car. The car was then treated to another restoration and is currently finished in a blue and light gray color scheme with a matching dark blue interior. It rides on the optional wire wheels, period-appropriate tires and correct 'log' manifold.
In 2011, the car was brought to Pebble Beach and offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $539,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012
This Cunningham C-3 was shipped to Carrozzeria Vignale in late September 1952. It returned to the United States in March 1953, where it underwent final assembly in preparation for delivery. When it left the Cunningham factory, it was finished in Cunningham's classic three-tone color scheme with a tan upper section, blue panels and a black main section. The interior was finished with tan trim and outfitted with a Mopar radio and heater. The first owner, Jack B. Hinkle, took possession of the car sometime after May 1953.
It is believed that the Cunningham remained in his care until 1957 when it was sold to Larry Bass. The history of the car from that point until the early 1980s is not really known. By that time in history, the car was in the car of Melvin Olshansky, owner of the Volo Museum. Shortly after receiving the car, it was treated to an exhaustive restoration that is said to have taken eight years. It received an AACA National First Prize at the Hershey Meet in 1993.
In 2006, the current owner acquired the car. The car was then treated to another restoration and is currently finished in a blue and light gray color scheme with a matching dark blue interior. It rides on the optional wire wheels, period-appropriate tires and correct 'log' manifold.
In 2011, the car was brought to Pebble Beach and offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $539,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012
2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $350,000-USD $450,000
Sale Price :
USD $539,000
1953 Cunningham C3 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Cunningham C3
(Data based on Model Year 1953 sales)
1953 Cunningham C3 Vignale Coupe Chassis#: 5211 Sold for USD$610,000 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1953 Cunningham C-3 Cabriolet by Vignale Chassis#: 5441 Sold for USD$1,215,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1953 Cunningham C-3 Coupe by Vignale Chassis#: 5223 Sold for USD$1,100,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1953 Cunningham C3 Coupe by Vignale Chassis#: 5206 Sold for USD$869,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : The Andrews Collection | |
1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Coupe Chassis#: 5211 Sold for USD$341,000 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Coupe Chassis#: 5226 Sold for USD$539,000 2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions | |
1953 Cunningham C3 Sold for USD$255,000 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island | |
1953 Cunningham C3 Competition Continental Coupe Sold for USD$374,000 2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction |
Cunningham C3s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1953 Cunningham C3's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
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1953 Cunningham C3
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