This undeniably interesting, and unexplainably rare automobile shown here is known as the 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlineta ENASA Cúpula (0102 150 0121). The example shown here features ‘Cúpula' coupe bodywork, which was developed by in-house coach-builder ENASA (Empresa Nacional de Autocamiones SA), a Barcelona-based truck, bus, and military vehicle manufacturer that was directed by Spanish industrial engineer, Wilfredo Ricart. Pegaso served as a successor company to the pervious Hispano-Fiat, and from the 1951-1958, Pegaso built approximately 84 Z-102 sports cars similar to the car you have shown here. Notably, the Z-102 was the fastest production car on the road in 1953, and each customer had a choice of selecting a luxury body from Italian automobile coachbuilder, Touring, French coachbuilding company, Saoutchik, Barcelona-based designer and coach builder of automobiles, Pedro Serra, or finally, ENASA, Pegaso’s very own in-house coachbuilder. This bright yellow UFO-inspired example was owned by the former President of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Trujillo, until 1961. Following this, the car was then purchased by Peter Kaus, collector and founder of the Rosso Bianco Collection Museum (now closed since 2006), where the car was actually repainted in a silver finish. The car was then acquired by the @louwmanmuseum in 2006, and following a 6-year restoration process that took place from 2009 until 2015, the car eventually was awarded ‘Best In Show’ during the 2016 Concours d’Elegance at Amelia Island, dressed in it’s original yellow with red wheels. The most obviously unique characteristics of chassis 0121 Cúpula include the oversized rear window, partially skirted fenders, side exit exhaust tips, and wild green-colored interior that’s bound to captivate any classic car lover.
How many made? Approximately 84 total Z-102 examples were produced, with this car being 1 of 2 of it’s kind, and the only known survivor.
Engine: 2816cc naturally aspirated, desmodromic 32-valve V8 DOHC - 250bhp
Debut: 1953 New York Auto Show
Top Speed: around 140mph
0-60mph: 8 seconds
Photo Credit: @teilix
Research: @rarecarsonly