Cunningham

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Worldwide Auctioneers

To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Worldwide Auctioneers' The Auburn Auction, August 28-28.  The 1953 Cunningham C3 Vignale Coupe stands as a tangible result of one man's relentless pursuit of motorsport glory: Briggs Swift Cunningham. A wealthy sportsman, sailor, and racer, Cunningham was determined to see an American car win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he began fielding race cars under his own name, including modified Cadillacs and Chrysler-powered specials. His efforts culminated in a series of purpose-built sports racers like the C2-R, which competed at Le Mans with respectable finishes, including a fourth place in 1952.    To comply with FIA homologation rules requiring production road cars for Le Mans eligibility, Cunningham needed to build at least 25 street-legal cars. Thus, the C3 was born-more refined than the race cars but still infused with their DNA. Under the hood was a potent 331-cubic-inch Chrysler FirePower Hemi V-8, tuned to produce well over 200 horsepower. The C3 delivered the robust American power that Cunningham favored, matched with Italian elegance, thanks to coachwork by Vignale of Turin.    The chassis and drivetrain were developed in West Palm Beach, Florida, while the bodies were crafted and fitted overseas. This transatlantic collaboration yielded a truly unique automobile-American brawn clothed in European beauty. Only 25 coupes and 5 convertibles were built, making the C3 an exceedingly rare collector's item today. The C3 was not just a road car; it was a statement of intent. It signified Cunningham's dual ambitions-creating a world-class GT car and winning on the international stage. While ultimate Le Mans victory eluded him, the C3 remains a bold chapter in American racing history, blending performance, style, and the audacity of a man who dared to take on Europe at its own game.    Rare and seldom seen on public offer, this 1953 Cunningham C3 Vignale Coupe's known history starts when it was ordered new by its original owner William A.M. Burden, Jr., who was a connoisseur of all things shiny, fast, and exclusive, as his family roots can be traced back to American business magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. With no financing issues ever in his life, William was known to own only the best, having had an SSK, a bespoke 540K, a 770 Grand Mercedes, and pair of Duesenbergs, to name a few, in his stable. For this particular Cunningham C3, he chose for it to be finished in his signature color combination of black over a red interior. Most notably, 5211 was the first known example built with round minor instruments, a Chrysler 'pistol grip' emergency brake handle, a turn signal arm built into the steering column, and distinctive brass serial number tag on the firewall. To keep up with his fast-paced lifestyle, William also had Cunningham add high-performance engine modifications, which included enlarged ported cylinder heads with special valve springs and polished connecting rods with special rod bearings.     Retaining this C3 for just a short period of time, he would trade it back to Cunningham's racing technical supervisor, Alfred Momo. Subsequent ownership would then be Lawrence Leeds of New Jersey, then John Paolantonio in 1962, followed by noted East Coast collector Jerry Sauls in 1990. Under Mr. Sauls' care, this C3 was comprehensively restored in a light-yellow shade. Following which, it would win its class at the 2002 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. In 2004, Anthony Gosnell acquired this example and took it overseas where it was exhibited at the Waddlesdon Manor Louis Vuitton Concours. Retaining it for two more years, the next owner would be noted sports car collector and Chicago native, Harold 'Joe' Hayes. Under his stewardship, he would entrust George Kovanda at Chicago Restorations to perform a complete cosmetic restoration.     By 2012, this C3 Vignale Coupe had found its way into the prestigious Gateway Automobile Museum, where it was displayed among some of the most desirable automobiles in the world until 2023. After which, this Cunningham underwent another comprehensive restoration where it was returned back to its original as-new specifications. Still retaining its original engine and characteristics like it did when new, this example has been beautifully maintained under current collection ownership.     With its striking original specification, exceptional provenance, and a life spent in the care of passionate stewards, this C3 stands as a true ambassador of American ambition and European artistry. It is a rare opportunity to own a car that captures the spirit of post-war innovation, international competition, and the uncompromising vision of Briggs Cunningham.

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