1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta
1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta | RM Sotheby's

1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta

When the Pegaso Z-102 debuted in 1951, it was as impressive as it was unexpected. It was truly an advanced machine at that time; at its heart was an in-house dry-sump 2.5-liter dual-overhead-cam alloy V-8 engine (later enlarged to 2.8, then 3.5, liters) nestled in a lightweight steel chassis with a De Dion rear axle.

1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta
1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta | RM Sotheby’s

Its five-speed gearbox was located behind the rear differential, creating an interesting reverse-transaxle configuration. With a top speed of 151 mph, the Z-102 was the fastest production car in the world at the time—a testament to ex-Alfa Romeo chief engineer, Wifredo Ricart’s skill and Pegaso’s ambition.

1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta
1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta | RM Sotheby’s

Story by RM Sotheby’s