Named after the mythical winged horse, the 1954 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta Series II stands as a testament to the advanced engineering and exquisite craftsmanship of 1950s Spanish automotive design. Produced in the former Hispano-Suiza factory in Barcelona, this remarkable sports car was designed to rival Ferrari, achieving notable success as one of the world’s fastest production cars of its time, with a top speed of 150 mph. Among the 84 Pegasos produced, many were customized with luxurious coachwork, making each a rare and valuable gem.
The Z-102 Berlinetta Series II, crafted by the renowned Parisian coachbuilder Saoutchik, is particularly celebrated for its bold design. The example offered here, chassis number 0102-150 0161, is one of just seven Series II Berlinettas, each distinguished by dramatic styling. This model features a low roofline and gracefully curved fenders that elegantly frame the Marchal headlights and accentuate the car’s aerodynamic profile.
Originally delivered in right-hand drive, though the “150” designation indicates a left-hand-drive model, this Pegaso was equipped with the sought-after twin-ignition cylinder head. Historical records confirm that the original owner was Don Pedro Domecq de la Riva, a notable Spanish aristocrat and sportsman.
The car was later exported to the United States and acquired in 1983 by Frans Pelzer, a dedicated enthusiast from Maastricht, The Netherlands. Pelzer found the car in remarkable original condition, with approximately 95% of its components retained during the restoration. The only major replacement was the gearbox, which was swapped for a correct unit from another Pegaso.
In 2005, the car was sold to the distinguished collector Lorenzo Zambrano, who completed the restoration in the U.S. The Pegaso then achieved significant accolades, including a 2nd in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and a celebrated appearance at Retromobile in Paris in 2015, where it received high praise from the Saoutchik family. In 2016, it won the Amelia Award in the special Pegaso feature class at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Currently owned since 2021, the car remains in superb condition with immaculate leather upholstery, vibrant paint, and gleaming chrome. It continues to be a star at concours events, having most recently appeared at Pebble Beach in August 2023. This Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta Series II exemplifies exceptional engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and Saoutchik’s legendary attention to detail, making it a crown jewel in any collection of classic sporting automobiles.
Source: rmsothebys.com
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