1953 Cunningham C-3
- Engine
- Chrysler Hemi V8, paired with PowerFlite automatic transmission
- Colour
- Black with red leather interior
The Cunningham C-3 roadster, chassis 5223, is widely regarded as the most historically significant example of the 25 Vignale-bodied cars produced between 1952 and 1955. Built as Briggs Swift Cunningham's personal demonstrator, it was finished in black with a red leather interior — unique among the largely two-tone production run — and equipped with a Chrysler Hemi V-8, PowerFlite gearbox, and various comfort fittings. Retained by the Cunningham family for over six decades, it was later recognized by the Historic Vehicle Association with its National Automotive Heritage Award.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,100,000
- → 2003Factory deliveryBriggs Swift Cunninghamfull documentation
Retained as a personal demonstrator unit, never sold commercially. Kept at the family estate in Greens Farms, Connecticut, for over six decades.
- 2003 → 2014InheritanceLucie Cunninghamfull documentation
Daughter of Briggs Cunningham; inherited the car and had it repainted in original black and the interior re-trimmed in matching red leather. Actively exhibited it at concours gatherings celebrating her father's legacy.
Competition
- 2011Cavallino ClassicCunningham Gathering at the 2011 Cavallino Classic
Exhibited by Lucie Cunningham at the Palm Beach, Florida concours event as part of a dedicated Cunningham marque gathering.
- 2013Lime Rock Historic FestivalCunningham Gathering at the Lime Rock Park 31st Historic Festival
Displayed by Lucie Cunningham at the Connecticut historic festival as part of a Cunningham-themed concours gathering.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2003Bodywork
The car was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original black paint, after Lucie Cunningham found the aged patina of the original finish unacceptable.
Commissioned by Lucie Cunningham upon inheriting the vehicle.
- 2003Bodywork
The interior was re-trimmed in red leather matching the original specification.
Carried out at the same time as the repaint, under Lucie Cunningham's direction.
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