Ivan Vicario Martin
El Pegaso Berlineta Saoutchik 1st Series Reference 22 It has been missing almost since the day it was presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1953. The information known since that moment is practically nil, something that does not happen with any of the rest of the more than 80 units built. In fact, in the different books dedicated to the subject by both Carlos Mosquera and Enrique Coma Cros -the Bibles- and Mario Laguna, each and every one of the copies are perfectly documented.
There is only one exception, our protagonist, reference 22 to which We lost track of it more than 70 years ago.. It is the only unit that appears as missing in the different compilations that have been made. These reflect that, currently, there is nothing less than 52 copies running, in addition to another 15 that are awaiting restoration. Finally, there are 15 Pegasos that were scrapped in their time by different reasons.
Returning to our protagonist, we know that It was manufactured in 1953 and dressed by saoutchik. Only three units were built with this bodywork, which was exhibited for the first time at the New York Motor Show held in February of that year. They are known as Saoutchik 1st Series Berlinetas, BS code 1, and all had left-hand drive. The other two copies are References 25 and 26, none of which currently exist -maybe a chassis is-, that is, the missing Pegaso Z-102 would be the only surviving BS 1, which makes it even more interesting to know where it is.
THE MISSING PEGASUS Z-102
The truth is that a halo of mystery has always surrounded the history of this Pegaso Z-102 Berlineta Saoutchik 1st Series Reference 22. It received the chassis number 150-0122 and engine 017-0122 and was painted in metallic blue, but that's where the available information ends. Evidently, there were rumors about his possible fate, as it was speculated that Its final recipient could have been the King of Morocco Mohamed V.
It is known the taste for the cars of the Moroccan monarchy, which has continued with the successors to the throne of Mohamed V, his son Hassan II and the current king Mohamed VI. It is estimated that, in recent decades, the royal house of the African country has accumulated a collection that would exceed 600 cars. Among them, there is no shortage of representatives of the best brands, from Rolls-Royce a Bentley, to Ferrari, Cadillac y Aston Martin. In fact, a few months ago we reported on the auction of a unit belonging to the royal collection, a Rolls-Royce Phantom I prepared by James Radley.
Therefore, it does not seem very strange to think that King Mohamed V decided to take over one of the Pegasus Z-102 manufactured. It was a sophisticated sports car, built by some of the best specialists that soon captivated the imagination of fans and some dignitaries. The car for the connoisseur is promoted.
RUMORS ARE CONFIRMED
At LA ESCUDERÍA we have been able to confirm the current location of Pegaso Berlineta Saoutchik 1st Series Reference 22. As suspected, the car would have been acquired by Mohamed V, glossing over the then incipient Moroccan royal house collection. And there she would have remained since then, that is, he would never have changed hands. Of course, there is no file or paper that documents the delivery to the king of Morocco.
A few years ago, a Spanish fan had the opportunity to see it in Tangier, where it is stored in a garage accompanied by another twenty cars, all perfectly covered with their corresponding covers. The requirement to enter was not to take photos, so it was impossible to get the desired snapshot of the car. An image that would end all speculation in one fell swoop.
However, our source states that They lifted the tarp of the missing Pegasus Z-102 and was able to contemplate it for a few brief moments. Enough time to verify that the car is whole, rust-free and perfectly preserved. Yes, apparently The car has been sitting there without leaving for about 20 years., which currently there will be more than 30. Without a doubt, excellent news, although we are left wanting to get a current photo of the model or even one from the time. We will continue investigating to try to get it.
