 1953 Z102 | 1955 Z102B  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
1954 Pegaso Z102B news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  | Cabriolet Coachwork: Saoutchik Chassis Num: 0102-153-0136 Engine Num: 0102-017-0136 |
| High bid of $700,000 at 2013 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | ||
Ricart would become the head of Alfa Corse, the racing department of Alfa Romeo. Enzo Ferrari was already there and the two began what was rumored to be a rather contentious partnership. Ultimately, Ferrari would leave and Ricart would be all alone. This was something Ricart had become used to since having to flee his native Spain when civil war broke out in the 1930s.
Following World War II, there would be peace in Spain and this would allow Ricart to return. He would return to Spain with the notion of designing and building a Spanish sportscar that was as good, or better, than any other being produced at the time. This notion would be something in which the government of Spain would be interested.
Ricart had already joined ENASA, but the firm was hardly known for developing sporty coupes. In fact all Empresa Nacional de Autocamiones SA was really known for were developing and building buses and trucks. However, the government would be supportive of Ricart's idea and would enable him to set up shop in the old Hispano-Suiza factory to build his new line of sportscars named after the mythical Greek creature Pegasus, and so, Pegaso was born.
Throughout his time with Alfa Romeo, Ricart would produce a number of concept vehicles that would never go into production. One of the most famous design to never see realization, however, they would prove his prowess, especially when it came to engine design and utilization.
Ricart set to work creating his first design for the new company. Known as the Z102, Ricart would pour every bit of his knowledge into the car's chassis and design and the result would be rather staggering. With the gearbox and final drive mounted together the car was much more stable in its handling. The extremely short-wheelbase, suspension arrangement and the massive drum brakes would all go to create a chassis that had amazing potential. However, the coach designers at ENASA showed their limits as sportscar designers as the car's reception at the 1951 Paris Auto Salon would be less then enthusiastic.
All of the Pegaso Z102, every single component, would be race-inspired and built in-house, to have such an uninspiring body resting on top of the innovative chassis was certainly doing the mythical name harm instead of fostering pride.
To take care of the aesthetics of the Z102, Ricart would turn to the talented individuals as Carrozzeria Touring, Serra and Saoutchik to fashion much more fashionable bodies for the highly-capable chassis.
In addition to adding to the look of the car, these talented coachbuilders also worked hard to reduce weight. The reduction in weight combined with 2.8 and 3.2-liter variants of four-cam V-8 engine meant the new, intriguing designs would be capable of top speeds higher than the latest Ferraris.
Ricart desperately wanted to enter the Pegaso name among the ranks of the automotive elite. As a result, no expense would be spared. Ricart would succeed in combining luxury and performance. However, the costs involved in achieving the goal would be such that Pegaso would find itself in financial troubles within just a couple of years. This would lead to the Z-102 being discontinued after 1958. Unfortunately for Ricart, the return on investment would be deemed too little, and, by the 1960s the Pegaso name was being applied to new lines of buses and trucks. The name would carry on until being taken over by Iveco.
The 2013 RM Auctions event at Amelia Island would feature a Series II Z-102 boasting of a Saoutchik Cabriolet body. Chassis 3-0136 would be a very special Z-102 indeed. By 1958, just 84 units of the Z-102 would be produced. So, each and every one of the cars would certainly be special in their own right. However, Saoutchik would only build a total of 18 bodies for Pegaso. Of those 18, just a total of 8 would be Series II with their much more sedated lines and revised nose. But, 3-0136 would be even more distinguished.
Saoutchik may have produced a total of 8 Series II Z-102, however, just one would be a cabriolet. And this would be it. Actually, there would be a total of three cabriolets built by the coachmaker. One would be considered a prototype. The other two, however, would be Series I. Therefore, 3-0136 would be a remarkable piece of Pegaso history.
Pegaso and Saoutchik would realize this right away. In April of 1954 this car would be on display at the San Remo Concours d'Elegance in a blue finish and would be driven by Saoutchik's son, Pierre. This was the last convertible Saoutchik would build of the Z-102 and it would be quickly snatched up.
Amazingly, by 1958, its owner would grow tired of the cabriolet and would determine to have the car converted to a berlinetta. Changed from its original design, the car would remain in Spain for a majority of its life. Then, in the early-1990s, its owner at the time would determine to have the car restored to its original configuration. This was decided upon because of the car's special place in Pegaso history.
Finished in a gorgeous metallic blue, the Pegaso Series II Cabriolet would come to its current owner in 2004. This would be a love story 50 years in the making as the owner had wanted a Pegaso since seeing one for the first time all the way back in 1954.
Despite having been on display at the Petersen Museum, the car has been used by its owner quite regularly and has taken part in a number of concours events. A lovely testament to Ricart and Spain's place in supercar history, the Pegaso Z-102 Series II Cabriolet is a prize highly deserving of a place of prominence in any collection and in post-World War II automotive history.
Prior to auction, the 1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Cabriolet was drawing estimates ranging from between $1,250,000 and $1,750,000. Unfortunately, during the auction a high bid of just $700,000 would be received, and so, the car did not sell.
Sources:
'Lot No. 176: 1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Series Cabriolet by Saoutchik', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1057741). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1057741. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
'Pegaso Z102 B 3.2 Touring Berlinetta', (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1234/Pegaso-Z102-B-3.2-Touring-Berlinetta.html). Ultimatecarpage.com: Powered by Knowledge, Driven by Passion. http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1234/Pegaso-Z102-B-3.2-Touring-Berlinetta.html. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Pegaso', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 March 2013, 19:05 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pegaso&oldid=542873761 accessed 11 March 2013
By Jeremy McMullen
 |  |  | Coupe Coachwork: Saoutchik Chassis Num: 0102.017.0161 Engine Num: 0102.017.0161 |
The Spanish company, Pegaso, introduced their first automobile at the 1951 Paris salon. The name Pegasus was used, named after the mythical winged horse. In the engine bay lay an eight cylinder powerplant that was initally 2.5-liters in size but eventually grew to 4.7-liters. Its top speed was in the neighborhood of around 140 through 150 mph which made it the fastest production car at the time.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
Named after Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology, the Pegaso Car Company produced very rare and exotic sports vehicles. Wilfredo Ricart was one of Enzo Ferrari's colleagues at Alfo Romeo's race department. He left Alfa Romeo after the war and teamed p with various engineers and technicians to begin working on their own vehicle. This eventually resulted in the Pegaso Z102.
A very modern race bred V8 engine was placed in the Pegaso Z102 which made it a supreme competition for vehicles built in Maranello, Italy. The Pegaso was fitted with double overhead camshafts, a feature that had been confined to competition vee-type engine, though they were utilized on Jaguar's famous XK120 inline six. The engine also featured sodium-filled exhaust valves for cooling, an oil cooler and dry-sump lubrication while also using extensive use of light alloy. The option of one, two or four Weber carbuteors could be fitted while compression ratios ranged from 7.8:1 to 9.0:1 to keep up with post-war Spain's unpredictable gasoline octane.
Receiving the elite status of being the only Spanish car to receive international supercar status during the 1950s, the Pegaso Z102B was introduced in 1951 at the Paris Auto Salon. With a top speed of 140 mph, the vehicle featured 250 horsepower at 6300 rpm. The Pegaso Company was government-backed at the time and had extensive experience construction large 9-liter coaches. No one expected such a cutting-edge sports vehicle from a bus and truck company. Arond 125 Z102's were produced, with only two of them every receiving bodywork from Saoutchik.
The Pegaso was a replacement for the esteemed Hispano-Suiza and was created to be a sports vehicle of the highest quality. Producing up to 300 hp, all Pegasos were powered by dry-sump V8 engines that ranged from 2.8 to 4.7 liters and featured torsion bar suspension along with 5-speed gearboxes with ZF limited-slip differentials. The 2.5 liter Z102 achieved 50 mph in just 8.3 second and 0-100mph in 35.0 seconds and had a top speed of 100 mph.
The Z102 range comprised a glass-backed coupe, a 2-seater cabriolet by Saotchik, a 2/3-seater Berlinette and a 2-seater sports model constructed by Superleggera Touring of Milan.
The Pegaso Z102B featured an increased engine with 2,816cc by 1953. The very exotic ‘Thrill Berlinette' by Superleggera Touring was added to the range. The Z102B featured very aerodynamic side panels that blended from the rear body into the roof to form stabilizing ‘fins' on each side. Considered to be the best known of all Pegaso's, the Z102B featured very exclusive red and black paintwork along with polished spoked wheels.
Pegaso models were largely hand-built and very innovative and advanced for their time. Only 88 models were ever built due to their extremely hefty pricetag. Production ended in 1958 and the Pegaso resumed exclusively producing trucks and buses.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereA very modern race bred V8 engine was placed in the Pegaso Z102 which made it a supreme competition for vehicles built in Maranello, Italy. The Pegaso was fitted with double overhead camshafts, a feature that had been confined to competition vee-type engine, though they were utilized on Jaguar's famous XK120 inline six. The engine also featured sodium-filled exhaust valves for cooling, an oil cooler and dry-sump lubrication while also using extensive use of light alloy. The option of one, two or four Weber carbuteors could be fitted while compression ratios ranged from 7.8:1 to 9.0:1 to keep up with post-war Spain's unpredictable gasoline octane.
Receiving the elite status of being the only Spanish car to receive international supercar status during the 1950s, the Pegaso Z102B was introduced in 1951 at the Paris Auto Salon. With a top speed of 140 mph, the vehicle featured 250 horsepower at 6300 rpm. The Pegaso Company was government-backed at the time and had extensive experience construction large 9-liter coaches. No one expected such a cutting-edge sports vehicle from a bus and truck company. Arond 125 Z102's were produced, with only two of them every receiving bodywork from Saoutchik.
The Pegaso was a replacement for the esteemed Hispano-Suiza and was created to be a sports vehicle of the highest quality. Producing up to 300 hp, all Pegasos were powered by dry-sump V8 engines that ranged from 2.8 to 4.7 liters and featured torsion bar suspension along with 5-speed gearboxes with ZF limited-slip differentials. The 2.5 liter Z102 achieved 50 mph in just 8.3 second and 0-100mph in 35.0 seconds and had a top speed of 100 mph.
The Z102 range comprised a glass-backed coupe, a 2-seater cabriolet by Saotchik, a 2/3-seater Berlinette and a 2-seater sports model constructed by Superleggera Touring of Milan.
The Pegaso Z102B featured an increased engine with 2,816cc by 1953. The very exotic ‘Thrill Berlinette' by Superleggera Touring was added to the range. The Z102B featured very aerodynamic side panels that blended from the rear body into the roof to form stabilizing ‘fins' on each side. Considered to be the best known of all Pegaso's, the Z102B featured very exclusive red and black paintwork along with polished spoked wheels.
Pegaso models were largely hand-built and very innovative and advanced for their time. Only 88 models were ever built due to their extremely hefty pricetag. Production ended in 1958 and the Pegaso resumed exclusively producing trucks and buses.By Jessica Donaldson
| WHAT IS THE MILLE MIGLIA? | |
 | Numerous attempts have been made to answer the question 'What exactly is the Mille Miglia?' and the responses have been carefully considered and contemplated. Many of the answers are more than valid, as they involve a Red Arrow race that encompasses a multitude of shades, facets and colors. According to the online encyclopedia known as 'Wikipedia', the Mille Miglia is defined as the following: 'The Mille Miglia was an open-road endurance race which took place in Italy twenty-four times fro...[Read more...] |
| Montezemolo: 'Ferrari Must Remain Exclusive' | |
 | Maranello, 8th May - Luca di Montezemolo addressed more than 250 members of the media today at the Maranello factory to explain key areas of the business to the media, as well as announcing impressive results for the first quarter of 2013. 'I base my plans for Ferrari on four key areas,' said Montezemolo. 'Our team spirit, our passion, our extreme technology and our exclusivity' this is how he summed up his feelings to the assembled journalists from over 30 countries. Montezemolo a...[Read more...] |
| Franco Gozzi, A Protagonist In Ferrari'S History | |
 | Maranello, 23 April – Franco Gozzi, who was part of the history of the Prancing Horse, passed away today in Modena, aged 81. 'We have lost a key figure in the history of Ferrari,' said President Luca di Montezemolo. 'My most abiding memory is of all the hours we spent together, talking about drivers and cars and I am grateful for the fact he was close to me when I was a young sporting director at the Scuderia.' It is hard to sum up in a single word what Franco was to the company: sp...[Read more...] |
| 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans: Finally a Victory, Still 2nd | |
 | Thierry Boutsen's first encounter with the 24 Hours of Le Mans would come only after a few years of his being involved in racing. In 1981, Boutsen would partner with Serge Saulnier and Michel Pignard to drive the WM P81. It would prove to be an introductory experience as the race would last just 15 laps before it would all come to an end. This would be just the first of three early retirements in the 1980s. The 1990s, however, would be an entirely different story altogether. Boutsen's breakth...[Read more...] |
| Last Mercer Will Compete At Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance | |
 | When the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic commences on August 7, Johnny Crowell will don his leather cap and goggles and settle in behind the wheel of his 1925 Mercer Series 6 Raceabout -- the last Mercer ever to exit the factory. The Roebling family along with designer Finley Robertson Porter debuted the Mercer Raceabout Type 35R in 1911. The result was one of the most admired sports cars of the early era: a stripped-down, two-seat speedster designed to be driven fast. By 1925, they had perfec...[Read more...] |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1954 |
| Fiat 8V |
| Jaguar Type D |
| Maserati A6G/54 2000 |
| Maserati A6GCS/53 |
| Sunbeam Alpine |
| Sunbeam Talbot 90 |
| Volkswagen 1200 Deluxe |
| Volkswagen Kombi Model 211 Microbus |
| Pegaso: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Pegaso |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| RM Auctions - Amelia Island |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| 58th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Z102B |
| 1953 Z102 | 1955 Z102B |
