In pursuit of absolute automotive perfection, and with an unrivalled attention to detail, the ex-Lamborghini Chief of Composites Horacio Pagani incorporated his eponymous automobile manufacturer in 1992. With an unassuming address in San Cesario sul Panaro, a small hamlet tucked between the famous cities of Bologna and Modena, it would have been easy to dismiss Pagani and his cohort as dreamers.
Seven years of development culminated in the debut of the Zonda C12, Pagani’s first product, at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. It was immediately hailed for its radical styling, stunning performance, and almost inconceivable technical sophistication. The Zonda was clearly the physical realization of Mr. Pagani’s relentless pursuit to create “Una Macchina con Anima”—a car with a soul.
Pagani’s creation shocked journalists with its distinctive, organic lines, remarkable performance, and extraordinary build quality—a combination of desirable traits which has since caused the Zonda to achieve mythical status among the most discerning supercar collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Since their earliest days, Pagani’s offerings have always showcased bold designs, brilliant engineering, and sensational attention to detail throughout, representing the finest craftsmanship offered in the automotive industry today.
The Zonda’s lengthy production run of over 20 years is unrivaled in its duration amongst supercar models—yet another testament to Pagani’s exacting and perfectionist approach to product development. In 2007, Pagani introduced their first track-focused model, the Zonda R. As the most fearsome and spartan distillation of the company’s technological capabilities, the Zonda R is truly the marque’s tour de force. Free from race and governmental regulations, the Zonda was designed to be the ultimate driver’s car, offering the ultimate uncompromised driving experience.
The Zonda R’s structure features an advanced iteration of the Zonda F chassis with a carbon-titanium monocoque, a proprietary material developed by Pagani in which titanium and carbon weave are bonded together to benefit from the engineering properties of both materials. The suspension geometry, powertrain, chassis structure, and bodywork were specially developed for the model. All told, the Zonda R’s construction reportedly utilizes just 10 percent of preexisting parts from the marque catalog. In truth, the Zonda R is almost more of a bespoke creation in its own right than it is a road car modified for the track.
Although it was built with ultimate performance in mind, the Zonda R’s body, interior, and engine bay are nothing short of spectacular. Four projector beam lamps peer out above a massive snout flanked by as many diffusers and spoilers as any car will likely ever see. From the rear, the highly adjustable rear wing and quad tailpipes leave little to the imagination. The Zonda R represents a combination of exceptional engineering and artistic design not found elsewhere.
The Zonda R is powered by a naturally aspirated, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR-derived 6.0-liter V-12 engine producing 780 horsepower. This powerplant is paired with a six-speed sequential transaxle, which features a multi-disc racing clutch and lightweight magnesium casing. The engine is fed fresh air by a roof-mounted, F1-derived carbon fiber intake channel, and exhaust duties are handled by a similarly inspired set of ceramic-coated Inconel 625 headers. With a fantastic power-to-weight ratio and lightning-quick gear changes, the Zonda R sprints to 60 mph in 2.7 second and onward towards a reported top speed over 230 mph.
Quite simply, it is truly a track weapon of the most ferocious variety. In fact, the Zonda R still holds the record as the fastest non-series, production-based, gasoline-powered car to lap the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife—13 years after Pagani factory driver Marc Basseng recorded a time of 6:47:00 in July 2010.
ZONDA R 05
The Zonda R “Revolución Specification” offered here is the fifth of 10 “R” examples produced by Pagani between 2009 and 2011. The car was subsequently returned to the Pagani factory under previous ownership and upgraded to Revolución specifications in December 2014. The Revolución upgrade includes engine and transmission modifications, which provide a bump of 30 horsepower over the stock configuration, as well as a new set of Öhlins dampers, and lightweight magnesium alloy wheels which mimic the finish and pattern of the originals. Downforce was also increased with the addition of a smaller secondary rear wing underneath the standard wing, while the front bodywork was revised with additional dive planes on the front corners. Today, this remarkable track weapon is presented in its stunning exterior livery of exposed carbon fiber with “tricolore” accents throughout.
The Zonda Revolución upgrade offers its driver an unparalleled experience without any compromise. The race-proven V-12 is arguably the best-sounding engine of the current era, and combined with its exceptional build quality, this potent automobile is clearly in a class of its own.
In April 2022, this Zonda R “Revolución Specification” received approximately $27,000 of servicing from Pagani of Beverly Hills, which included a new set of Pirelli tires, new fuel tank, and a complete fuel system flush with major engine service. Meanwhile, the car was also fitted—at no cost to the consignor— with Pagani’s most recent suite of factory-recommended Zonda R driveshaft updates.
Most Zonda R and Revolución examples are hidden away in private collections, making public appearances exceedingly rare. Few will ever see a Pagani Zonda Revolución in the flesh, let alone drive one; but those who do enter what may be the most exclusive club in cardom. The next owner of this impossibly extreme distillation of the Pagani ethos will undoubtedly be the center of attention at any track, exhibition, or concours at which they make an appearance.
And—if their driving skills should allow them to fully explore the on-track abilities of this Zonda R “Revolución Specification”—then they are also destined to plant themselves at the top of the leaderboard as well.
This vehicle will be offered at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale, taking place 4 March 2023. View all lots and register to bid online at rmsothebys.com.
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