Description
This is probably the best Spanish car you've never heard of. It is the Pegaso Z102 that was declared the fastest vehicle in the world in 1950. Pegaso, a government-controlled company, had the same ambition. Between 1951 and 1958 it produced just 84 cars, which is why they are a little-known rarity today.
The company's manager was an experienced engineer Wilfredo Ricart, who also worked for Alfa Romeo before the Second World War. At that time he created a number of memorable racing cars for Italians such as Alfa Romeo Tipo 512. He was a fierce competitor of Enzo Ferrari. Wilfredo Richart was keen to challenge Enzo Ferrari again. Even the chosen name brand suggests: if Ferrari's horses would jump, the Spanish horses would fly.
Wilfred Ricard created the Pegaso Z102, an incredibly innovative and exciting car that exceeded all standards at the time. The alloy bodies were supplied by coachbuilders such as Serra, Carrozzeria Touring or Saoutchik. The car's chassis and other parts (except the bodywork) were built in-house at the Pegaso factory in Barcelona. There were two types of V8 engines – 2,8 liter or 3,2 liter options that could range from 175 hp to 360 hp respectively. Engine power from a five-speed gearbox drove the rear wheels. Pegaso Z102 was one of the fastest cars in the world at the time. It could reach a speed of 243 km/h (or 151 mph). Buyers could choose between coupe and convertible models. However, the Z102 was incredibly expensive. It would cost twice as much as cars from competitors Ferrari and four times more than Jaguar XK120. The Spanish government eventually canceled the project when they realized how expensive it would be to build such a vehicle. Today, Pegaso cars are collector's items.
