That’s exciting news! The 1954 Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe is an ultra-rare and highly collectible classic car that is sure to turn heads at the 2023 Goodwood Revival.
History of the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe
The Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe is a rare and highly sought-after classic car that has a rich history. Here’s a brief overview:
- Pegaso was a Spanish manufacturer of luxury sports cars that operated from 1951 to 1958. The company was founded by engineer Wilfredo Ricart, who had previously worked for Alfa Romeo and later joined the Spanish government to oversee the development of the Hispano-Suiza tank.
- The Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe was designed by the famed French coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik, who was known for his extravagant and highly customized designs. Saoutchik created only two examples of the Pegaso Coupe, and they were both based on the Z-102 chassis.
- The Pegaso Z-102 was a high-performance sports car that was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-eight engine that produced up to 175 horsepower. The engine was designed by Ricart and featured a unique dual overhead camshaft design that was highly advanced for its time.
- The Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe was a tour-de-force of design and engineering, featuring a lightweight aluminum body and chassis that were handcrafted by Saoutchik’s skilled artisans. The car was known for its striking split front grille, distinctive rear fins, and other unique design elements.
- Today, the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe is considered one of the rarest and most collectible classic cars in the world. The two examples that were produced are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and they rarely come up for sale.
Why this Pegaso is so special.
The 1954 Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe is considered a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering due to its rare and unique combination of styling, performance, and innovation.
Firstly, the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe was designed and hand-built by Carrosserie Saoutchik, one of the most renowned coachbuilders of the 20th century, and it is one of only a few Pegaso cars that were bodied by Saoutchik. This collaboration between Pegaso and Saoutchik produced some of the most beautiful and unique automobiles of the era.
Secondly, the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe features a powerful and advanced V8 engine designed by engineer and racing driver Wilfredo Ricart. This engine was one of the most advanced of its time, with a hemispherical combustion chamber and dual overhead camshafts, making it one of the most powerful and technically advanced engines of the era.
Finally, the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe was also known for its luxurious interior and advanced features, such as power windows, a radio, and a sunroof, which were rare and advanced for a car of its time.
All of these factors make the 1954 Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe an exceptionally rare and valuable automobile, and one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. The car’s unique combination of design, engineering, and innovation has solidified its place in automotive history as a true masterpiece.
What’s next for the Pegaso.
It is not clear what the future holds for the 1954 Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe specifically, as it is currently owned by a private collector who has not made any public statements about their plans for the car beyond showcasing it at the 2023 Goodwood Revival.
However, as one of the most rare and valuable collector cars in the world, it is likely that the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe will continue to be well-preserved and maintained by its current owner or future owners. The car may continue to be showcased at prestigious automotive events and shows, and could potentially be sold at auction to another collector in the future.
Ultimately, the future of the Pegaso Saoutchik Coupe will depend on the decisions of its owner and the interests of the collector car market. Regardless of its future, the car’s historical and cultural significance as a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering will ensure that it remains an important part of automotive history for years to come.