1952 Cunningham C3 Coupe (Vignale-bodied prototype, chassis 5206)
- Engine
- 6.4L (392 cu in) OHV Chrysler V8 with four single-barrel carburetors, ~350 bhp
- Colour
- Cream and black
Chassis 5206 is the prototype Cunningham C3, the first of the type to receive Vignale coachwork and the car used for factory publicity photographs in 1952. Designed around a modified racing chassis with a Chrysler Hemi V-8, the C3 was penned by Giovanni Michelotti and built in collaboration with Alfredo Vignale to satisfy Le Mans eligibility rules requiring a production-car series. Of twenty-five examples made, this is the only one built entirely as a reference prototype, retaining numerous unique features, and it appeared in the 1962 film State Fair before a lengthy period off the road and a subsequent restoration.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$869,000
- 1952 → 1952Factory deliveryBriggs Cunninghampartial documentation
Cunningham retained the prototype for factory publicity use, including photographed sessions in mid-1952 that received wide press coverage.
- 1952 → 1954-10-01Private saleCarl Kiekhaeferpartial documentation
Owner of Mercury Marine and prominent American motorsport patron; received this Vignale-bodied car as a replacement after being dissatisfied with an earlier West Palm Beach-built C3.
- 1954-10-01 →Private saleEmpire Motorspartial documentation
Iowa-based dealership that acquired the car from Kiekhaefer in October 1954.
- → 1962Acquisition unknownJack Woodspartial documentation
Tulsa, Oklahoma owner during whose tenure the car appeared in a 1962 film; the vehicle was reportedly taken off the road that same year and left unregistered thereafter.
- 2004 →Private saleTom Armstrongpartial documentation
Enthusiast from Issaquah, Washington who located the disassembled car and commissioned a full restoration, finished in cream and black with Halibrand wheels fitted.
- → 2009Acquisition unknownErvin 'Bud' Lyonpartial documentation
Collector who had the car further prepared by Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Massachusetts, including fitment of a five-speed gearbox and a mildly modified 1957 Chrysler engine.
- 2009 →Private saleAndrews Collectionpartial documentation
Long-term custodian who has used the car regularly on rallies and touring events; ongoing cosmetic and mechanical upkeep maintained it close to its post-restoration condition.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJames Toensingpartial documentation
Owner based in Newport Beach, California; occupied a position in the chain following Empire Motors.
Competition
- —Colorado Grand
Used as a rally and touring participant by the Andrews Collection on multiple occasions after 2009.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2004Restoration
Full restoration carried out after the car was found in pieces; refinished in cream and black, bumpers removed, and Halibrand bolt-on wheels fitted.
Commissioned by Tom Armstrong of Issaquah, Washington.
- —MechanicalPaul Russell and Company
Extensive sorting and light modification for occasional competition use, including installation of a five-speed manual gearbox and a mildly uprated 1957 Chrysler 300C engine; original engine and four-speed transmission were crated and retained with the car.
Work carried out during Ervin 'Bud' Lyon's ownership; shop is located in Essex, Massachusetts.
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