Audrain Collections 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Lightweight Competition Coupe Awarded First in Class at Lugano Elegance (Photo: Cristina Lipeti)

The Audrain Collection’s 1952 Pegaso Z-102 lightweight competition coupe has just won First in Class at the Lugano Elegance event in Switzerland. This prestigious win came in the Sports Cars of the ’50s and ’60s category.

The Audrain Collections acquired this historic vehicle, chassis 0115, in 2020. It’s one of only three lightweight competition coupes built for racing at the Barcelona Pegaso factory.

This rare Pegaso has a fascinating history. It qualified for the 1952 Monaco Grand Prix but was pulled before the race. Later, it was converted into a road-going GT and sold to its first private owner, Antonio Creus, in 1954.

After a careful restoration, the Pegaso made its public comeback at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

“We are honored and delighted to be acknowledged among such a remarkable assembly of historic vehicles,” said Audrain Group President Nic Waller.  “Lugano Elegance is truly a celebration of the heritage and beauty of classic cars and stands as one the few events of its importance offering free entry to the public.  The inclusion of the Audrain among such distinguished participants reinforces our dedication to upholding the legacy of these historic vehicles and provide unparalleled experiences for enthusiasts worldwide.”

The Audrain Automobile Museum (222 Bellevue Avenue) has 7,500 square feet of gallery space. It features rotating exhibits of 12-20 vehicles, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...