Miguel Sánchez
As you know, at La Escudería we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Pegaso Z-102 with a review of the most interesting units. After starting it with the Sypder Pedralbes y one of the Saoutchik coupes, today we continue with a convertible bodywork in Spain. This is chassis number 0102-153-0171, a good example of how interesting the designs made by ENASA itself can be. And it is that, leaving aside opinions before the tenseness of the staff when talking about the Pegasus, it is clear that these are the bodies with a design that is worst valued among the fans.
Always in the shadow of the units bodied by Touring, those dressed in ENASA's own facilities have been considered the least elaborate in terms of design. Something objective in various aspects, but from the point of view of visual appeal puts this 1952 cabriolet unit into question. Endowed with an undeniable charm, its superb state of conservation with only one significant restoration in 1984 it is a good sample of elegance and sobriety. In addition, along with various units signed by Serra or Saoutchik, it is one of the few convertibles in the 86-unit Pegaso Z-102 series.
A vindication of the designs coming out of the Empresa Nacional de Autocamiones SA, where such interesting professionals as Agustín Masgrau, author of the Berlinetta Cúpula worked. Furthermore, even having been assembled just one year after the presentation of the model at the Paris Motor Show, this Pegaso Z-102 already has the 2'8-liter engine. First of the two evolutions experienced by the original 2 liters, increased to 5 in its third and more powerful version.
PEGASO Z-102 CABRIOLET ENASA. A DESIGN THAT TAKES OUT CHEST
In reference to the Pegaso Z-102 we will not say again about the "Spanish Ferrari". And it is that, even recognizing this nickname an effective illustrative value, we believe that it is already very hackneyed. Something to which is added the perception of a certain inferiority complex, since, for example, no one would say the "French Rolls Royce" in relation to a Facel-Vega or the "American Jaguar" alluding to a Shelby. However, the truth is that The Pegasus posed a threat to the reign of brands like Ferrari.
In fact, during the year of appearance of this Pegaso Z-102 convertible, the most notable creation of those from Maranello was the 340 Mexico. A bodied model by Vignale with the competition in its sights. Something that shows to what extent they were neglecting the stock car clientele, leaving a space that Pegaso dreamed of occupying thanks to creations like this open-air sports car. Much more civilized than the Italians, this model prevailed a certain comfort over the spartan of racing.
Something that should not be confused with the lack of hardness, since the steel panels that give shape to the body were mounted on its robust chassis. A solid construction, but endowed with lines more graceful than those of the coupés of the same ENASA. While these - with the exception of lightened units such as El Cangrejo - wore bodies that were not very adjusted to the lines marked by the chassis, this Pegaso Z-102 convertible has tighter wheel arches, giving a greater visual sensation of lightness and purity of lines.
FIRST EVOLUTION OF THE ORIGINAL ENGINE UNDER THE HOOD
Forged in competition at the helm of Alfa Romeo, Wifredo Ricart returned to Spain with well-learned lessons. So much so that, despite the lack of means typical of the postwar period, it was able to sign one of the most advanced engines of the time. Compact and resilient, the light alloy V8 with forged aluminum pistons and dry sump lubrication that gave the Pegaso Z-102 was a mechanical milestone in its day. In fact, not a few specialists think that the ultimate goal of this engine was F1.
A not entirely unreasonable assumption, since its characteristics match perfectly with those required for this category, with 2-liter engines. Be that as it may, the truth is that this engine was born with just that displacement, jumping shortly after to 5'2 and 8'3 liters. Exponent of the first evolution, the ingenuity of this ENASA convertible is capable of delivering up to 200CV. Forty more than the first 2 liter engines, but eighty less than some 5 liter versions. And even 3CV less than that achieved by the Spyder Pedralbes performance.
Figures that speak of the potential that the Pegaso Z-102 could have developed in competition to have a more elaborate team structure. Something that would have been complemented with a more than possible good sales index with the street versions, which did not need any foreign company to reach remarkable design heights. Just what this 1952 cabriolet unit proves. An enchanting vehicle that represents the great paradox of the Pegasus Z-102: that of the car that, although it was, did not go any further due to the precarious situation in Spain at the time.
Photographs: Bonhams Auctions
