Cunningham C4R 1952

Briggs Cunningham, a rich American businessman, car collector and race car driver was encouraged to enter Le Mans 24 Hours in 1950 by Luigi Chinetti. Luigi Chinetti had been appointed sole Ferrari distributor for East United States territories in 1948 and won Le Mans 1949 at the wheel of a Ferrari 166 MM roadster. Briggs Cunningham was one of his first customers.

Briggs Cunningham decided to participate at Le Mans with an All American Cars team and prepared two Cadillac for the race. Both these Cadillac were equiped with upgraded engine while one was fitted with a simple shape roadster body. The two car finished the race with the standard coupe in 10th overall and the special roadster in 11th position.

For the 1951 Le Mans edition, Briggs Cunningham decided to develop his own brand automobiles. Three Cunningham C2 R, propelled by V8 Chrysler, were entered in 1952 but did not complete the race.

For the 1952 Le Mans edition, Briggs Cunningham entered three Cunningham C4 R with one C4 RK fitted with coupe body and Kam short rear end. The Cunningham C4 R was fitted with 5425 cc Chrysler V8 engines and car N°1 finished 4th overall the team Cunningham and Spear at the wheel.

The Cunningham C4 R was again entered in 1953 and 1954. The Cunninghal C4 R finished 7th and 10th (coupe C4 RK) overall  in 1953 while the CunninghamC5 R finished the same endurance race in 3rd position.
In 1954 Le Mans edition, the wo Cunningham C4 R entered with 5482 cc Chrysler V8 engine finished in 3rd and 5th position overall.

Paul Damiens- Source Wikipedia and Le Mans official history 1949-59 Quentin Spurring

Cunningham C4R 1952 Wallpapers