Zonda HP Barchetta
The Zonda HP Barchetta, first seen in 2017, has a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 pushing roughly 800hp positioned right behind the occupant's head. It’s matched to a heavenly six-speed manual gearbox, along with a mechanical locking diff and rear-wheel-drive. The Italian manufacturer made multiple announcements that the Zonda was at the end of its life, however, this truly is the end of the line for the Zonda and in my opinion, the best iteration yet. Coming in at 1,250kg and 780hp it is also the most potent Zonda ever produced, rivaled only by the track-only Zonda R Evo. Only three were ever made, and the one pictured was created for Mr. Pagani himself to celebrate his 60th birthday. The other two are of course spoken for. However, the prospective new owners were chosen in an interesting fashion. A silent auction was held to establish the price of the two public offerings where attendees had to own two other Paganis to attend and the chance to bid.
The Barchetta HP's suspension design is taken from the Huayra BC and features massive 380m ventilated discs all round with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the back. To add to the Italian flare, Pagani fitted stagger 20" front and 21" rear wheels with different color inlays from left to right. Other impressive touches include the carbon fiber rear-wheel fairings from the Zonda Zozo, a hood from the Zonda by Mileson and a projectile-like roof scoop, left with no roof to rest on (gents, you might want to keep your toupe at home when driving this masterpiece). The chassis is built using the same carbotanium developed for the Huayra, a special composite where carbon fiber is bonded to platinum-coated titanium that results in a stronger and more rigid chassis over a standard carbon fiber chassis.
The interior design is unmistakably Pagani and not because you find over ten Pagani badges. Its all in the materials. Sit inside, and you will find fine wood for the steering wheel, handbrake, and gear shifter, the seats and door inserts are wrapped with the finest leather featuring beautiful plaid inlays, thick-weave carbotanium and a dash that is a work of art. The price for all the pinnacle of Italian automotive design? $17.5 million. Making it the second most expensive new car ever made, followed behind the new Bugatti La Voiture Noire's $19 million selling price (at the time of its unveiling it was the most expensive car ever made).
We can expect the other two iterations to be completely bespoke to suit the buyer's wishes. Interestingly, with a starting price so high, it is unlikely any of the three will appreciate at all. That being said, the Zonda Barchetta HP is the Pagani of all Pagani's and cements their status as being the premier automotive manufacturer that offers the most painstakingly beautifully designed cars the road will ever see.
