Last updated on September 15, 2023
Today’s car is a 1956 Pegaso Z102 Panoramica Coupe, nicknamed the Spanish Ferrari, owned by Karl Baker. I photographed this car at the San Marino Motor Classic, that is held at Lacy Park, located in San Marino, CA. It is finished in metallic gray with a red leather interior. It is powered by a 270 hp, 3.2 liter, DOHC Hemispherical dry-sump V8 engine, with twin Weber four-barrel carburetors and mated to a 5-speed non-synchromesh transaxle with a 4.75:1 gear ratio. Slowing this beauty down are hydraulic assist drum brakes in all 4-corners. It has independent front suspension with wishbones, longitudinal torsion bars and telescopic dampers. The rear suspension is a De Dion type axle with transverse torsion bars, radius arms, and telescopic dampers.
The Z102’s were produced in Barcelona Spain from 1951 – 1958. A total 0f only 84 were produced with 28 of them being cabriolets and the balance of 56 of them being coupés built by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Seven of the 25 surviving Pegaso’s are said to reside in California, The MSRP was $23,000.00 double that of a Mercedes Gullwing! It has a published top speed of 129 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds. In 1951 the Z102 was the fastest car in the world reaching top speed of 151 mph, but officially it was not recognized as the tested car was considered a prototype, rather than a production car.
This is a beautiful example of a extremely rare, award winning original restored car. Motor Trend stated “Jewel-like in its price, precision engineering, and quality craftsmanship, the Pegaso remains an automotive Fabergé egg – albeit a boisterously loud one.” What a great car to take to car shows, Cars & Coffee events or just the pleasure of driving such an exceptionable automobile. Thank you for riding along. Frank
