The 1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Cabriolet was designed by Briggs Cunningham to meet the new rules for participation in 1953 24 hours of LeMans, 25 cars had to be built and sold to the public.
Tubular steel chassis based on the design of the Cunningham C-2 were made in West Palm Beach, Florida and of the 25 Cunningham C - 3's made only five or cabriolets.
This car was shown on the Cunningham stand at the 1953 Geneva Auto Show the original price was approximately $12,000 this car has never been completely restored the Elliot Museum acquired the car 1982.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Cunningham Motors, an American car company founded by Briggs Cunningham, known for producing high-performance sports and racing cars.
- Body Style: Cabriolet (convertible), providing an open-top driving experience combined with elegant styling.
- Coachbuilder: The bodies were designed and built by Vignale, an Italian coachbuilder renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and design.
- Chassis: The C-3 features a robust steel ladder frame, designed to provide strength and rigidity while maintaining a relatively light weight.
- Bodywork: The body is made from lightweight aluminum panels, showcasing sleek and aerodynamic lines typical of early 1950s European sports cars.
- Interior: Luxuriously appointed with high-quality leather upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and detailed instrumentation, blending American comfort with European style.
Performance
- Engine: Powered by a Chrysler Hemi V8 engine, a highly advanced and powerful engine for its time.
- Power Output: Approximately 220 to 235 horsepower, providing strong performance and acceleration.
- Transmission: Equipped with a 3-speed manual gearbox, offering reliable and precise gear shifts.
- Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds around 120 mph (193 km/h), which was impressive for a luxury sports car of its era.
- Suspension: Features independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs, providing a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
- Brakes: Equipped with hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the performance levels of the time.
Production and Rarity
- Production Years: The Cunningham C-3 was produced from 1952 to 1953.
- Total Units Produced: Only about 25 units were built, making it an extremely rare and collectible vehicle.
- Specific Models: The C-3 was available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles, with the cabriolet being particularly rare.
Historical Significance and Legacy
- Briggs Cunningham: A significant figure in American motorsport, Cunningham was instrumental in bringing American cars to international racing prominence. His efforts included competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Racing Pedigree: While the C-3 itself was not a racing car, it was closely related to the Cunningham C-2R, which competed in endurance races like Le Mans, showcasing the engineering prowess behind the C-3.
- American-European Blend: The C-3 represents a unique collaboration between American engineering and European design, combining the best elements of both automotive traditions.
Notable Features
- Engine Performance: The Chrysler Hemi V8 was one of the most powerful engines of its time, known for its durability and high performance.
- Luxurious Design: The Vignale bodywork and luxurious interior appointments made the C-3 as comfortable and stylish as it was fast.
- Exclusivity: With only 25 units produced, each C-3 is a unique piece of automotive history, often customized to the owner's specifications.
You may purchase a print of this 1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Cabriolet in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.
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