This 1952 Cunningham C3 (chassis 5206X) is one of only two hand built by Cunningham and his team at their West Palm Beach, Florida headquarters–the other was a roadster, and all subsequent cars were built by Vignale in Italy. They were also styled differently, wearing Michelotti penned bodywork covering a completely different chassis–only the two Florida cars ran underpinnings virtually identical to competition models. As the seller says, it’s a true one-off and still looks great following a ten year old restoration. Find it here on Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, California for $750k. Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

Originally owned by Briggs Cunningham’s friend and Mercury Marine/two-time NASCAR champion team owning Karl Kiekhaefer, the car was originally painted Breswter Green over cast alloy wheels. Reportedly, Kiekhaefer traded it for the first Michelotti/Vignale C3 shortly after purchase, possibly for tax reasons. Interestingly, the “X” in this car’s serial is believed to have been added to eliminate confusion between the two cars. Though not quite as elegant as the Italian styled and built “production” cars, it’s still quite an attractive machine with distinctly American detailing.

The way the roof fits to the body makes it easy to picture the open top Florida car’s styling–it almost looks like a hardtop. The way rear quarter vents slide into the top is too cool not to picture in detail–check out the shot below.

Prior to landing with its second owner, Cunningham replaced the bench with these deep buckets, swapped out the De Dion rear end for a live rear axle and fit these wire wheels. It’s unclear if the traditional blue and white paint scheme was applied at the same time, but it certainly suits the car well. The interior is especially beautiful, featuring a lovely center stack of period Stewart Warner gauges surrounded by a mix of neatly marked push-pull and toggle switches. High quality materials are said to have been used, notably a mohair headliner–nice. A gentle patina is mentioned, a positive sign that the car’s been used properly since completion.

Power comes from a correct and presumably original 331ci Chrysler FirePower hemi. Says the seller: “The engine compartment is in nicely restored shape and is generally equipped with the correct original equipment, particularly the electrical system. The fuel lines have been upgraded to stainless steel items with Aeroquip fittings. The tubular structure of the frame is visible and is in good shape throughout.” check out the distinct “log” intake manifold wearing quad Zenith carbs. The radiator and fan shroud are interesting as well. Power is sent through a Cadillac 3-speed manual, said to be the only contemporary gearbox capable of withstanding the hot rodded Mopar’s big torque.

As a beautiful, fascinating and important piece of American Sports car racing history, the car isn’t remotely inexpensive. If you have both the means and taste, though, all we ask is that you drive it hard and smoke the tires from time-to-time.