Pagani Zonda
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It may be that Pagani lacks the notoriety and brand image of some of the old school marques like Aston and Ferrari, but when it comes to other supercar yardsticks such as power, speed, fabulous styling and wanton desirability, few can match the fabulous Zonda.
After years of dreaming, Argentinian Horacio Pagani decided to produce his own supercar in 1988. Following a decade of hard graft, which included setting up shop near Modena in northern Italy, the first Zonda, the 200mph C12, was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999. Named after an Andean wind, the car featured a carbon fibre ‘tub’ chassis with tubular space frames supporting double wishbone suspension at each end and a mid-mounted, six-litre, 420bhp Mercedes V12 motor. No question, the new Zonda managed to stand out as something special, even amongst the glitterati of the supercar world.
Then, in 2002, and as though close neighbours Ferrari and Lamborghini hadn’t already taken notice, Pagani launched the 7.3-litre, 555bhp Zonda C12S. This was followed more recently by open Roadster versions and the Zonda F, with up to 650 horsepower and a potential 214+mph.
To drive any Zonda is not just a huge privilege, but a never-to-be-forgotten lesson in state-of-the-art supercar dynamics. The power delivery, immense acceleration and speed, massive stopping power, pin sharp handling, colossal grip and, not least, the truly glorious sound are all way beyond normal road car parameters. But it is perhaps the Zonda’s exquisite detail and finish that makes it truly unique.