Buckle up in Pegaso style

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Back in 1953, seat belts weren’t exactly standard fare. Despite the concept being patented more than 130 years earlier (!), the first factory-fitted belts only arrived in 1958—courtesy of Saab. Anything earlier required some improvisation, as demonstrated by the lady in the photo. Note the belt: a stylish white leather example with size-adjustable holes (and it’s not even fastened on the tightest setting…). It does pair rather well with that gorgeous interior, though.

Recognise the car? It’s the striking one-off Pegaso Z-102 ‘Thrill’ by Touring—also known as the ‘Safety First’ car, as the original flyer proclaims. But beyond those early seat belts, did it really pack any extra safety features? We're inclined to think the name Thrill suits it better. This unique Pegaso still appears at shows, reliably drawing a crowd wherever it goes. One question remains: are those original adjustable belts now replaced by fixed ones, or is it just us?

Words and archive image: Jeroen Booij

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