1954 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta Series II (by Saoutchik)
The 1954 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta Series II represents one of the most audacious automotive ventures of the post-war era. Born from the unlikely setting of a state-owned Spanish truck factory under a totalitarian regime, this remarkable sports car was created to showcase Spanish engineering prowess on the world stage.
At its heart beats a technically advanced 2,816cc dual-overhead-cam V8 engine producing 195 bhp, featuring dry-sump lubrication and dual four-barrel Weber carburetors (engineering that was years ahead of competitors). The drivetrain incorporated a sophisticated five-speed ZF transaxle mounted at the rear for optimal weight distribution, a feature Ferrari wouldn’t adopt until a decade later.
The magnificent coachwork by French carrosserie J. Saoutchik is a masterpiece of flamboyant design, with dramatically curved fenders, teardrop-shaped headlight surrounds, and exquisite details like the perforated aluminum grille and hidden “pocket” door handles. Despite its technical brilliance and stunning aesthetics, only 84 Pegaso chassis were built before production ended in 1958, making this Spanish thoroughbred one of the rarest and most exclusive sports cars of its era.
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