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Not only does this supercar boast incredible performance, power, and design, but the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta is also rare with just 3 units made.
Back in the late '70s, ABBA famously sang “Money, money, money/ Must be funny/ In the rich man's world.” Almost half a decade later, most of us still think that it must be “funny in the rich man’s world.” The wealthy don't have the same headaches as most of us, a fact proven repeatedly. In the most recent life incident that demonstrates how different the elites are from us, someone crashed a super rare $17 million Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta in Croatia.
The owner of the supercar took part in a driving event organized by Supercar Owners Circle. According to a video posted online, the Zonda HP Barchetta crashed into a Ford Fiesta, traveling in the opposite direction. Netizens and industry experts were quick to point out that despite the low speed, the accident left the Zonda in pretty bad shape. As a result of the accident, the Zonda lost its left-rear wheel, hub, and suspension components. Additionally, there was substantial damage to the carbon fiber bodywork on the left side. It goes without saying that the repairs will be expensive and time-consuming. So, what is so special about the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta that netizens are decrying the mutilation of this beautiful car?
Related: Here's What Makes The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta The Most Expensive Car In The World
When you buy a supercar, you are looking for far more than performance and speed. This means, you also want a good resale value and rarity. Generally speaking, a rare car built in small numbers will see its value increase in time. Naturally, there are some exceptions and not every car achieves collectible status. In this case, there were only 3 units of this Zonda built, with the first one reserved for the company’s founder and CEO, Horacio Pagani.
Considering that the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta retails for $17 million, it is safe to say that not too many drivers can afford to buy it, therefore the number of these road legal supercars will remain low, even in the future.
The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta is a monster on the road. A 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG exclusively for Pagani powers the supercar. And the company paired the engine with a six-speed sequential transmission. Furthermore, the Zonda generates 789 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 627 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm of torque. This powerful engine helps the Zonda reach the top speed of 221 miles per hour, which is by all standards incredibly fast.
Gearheads frequently subject supercars to harsh criticism. They lament how similar many of the well-known automobiles are. It appears that the engineers and designers had anticipated this remark, so they sought to surprise Zonda enthusiasts with the car’s aesthetic and distinctive design aspects. It is worth noting that the luxury automaker builds each of these pricey vehicles to order, according to the customer's specifications. Meanwhile, some of the most interesting design elements include the elongated front bonnet with flaps and the widescreen, which curves around the cockpit. Creating this shape probably took some additional time and increased the research, development and testing bill. But despite the additional expense, it was a pleasant touch that undoubtedly gives the Zonda a distinctive flair. Other interesting elements include the redesigned taillights and wheels, and the impressive rear wing.
The interior is also spectacular, looking very plush and comfortable. Every detail inside the cabin reminds the driver and passenger that this automobile is a racetrack beast. Pagani built and configured the seats according to the owner’s body measurements and physical characteristics.
Related: 10 Surprising Facts About Pagani And Its Cars
The expensive and rare materials utilized to make this car's components are a major factor contributing to the scandalously high price. For example, the car uses forged aluminum alloy APP monolithic wheels, which are 20 inches on the front axle and 21 inches on the rear axle. In addition, the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta has the modern Brembo braking system, which adopts new CCMR discs. Furthermore, the tires are Pirelli P Zero Corsa.
Lastly, Pagani made the monocoque chassis from carbo-titanium composite, also dubbed Carbo-Triax HP52. Pagani points out that compared to carbon fiber, this material is lighter and more durable, and therefore it improves performance. The car has a dry weight of, 2,755 lbs, which is super lightweight for a vehicle of its size.
“It's literally carbon fiber and titanium woven together and can withstand temperatures up to 600-degrees Fahrenheit,” says HotCars contributor, Brian Grabianowski. “Pagani first used this material on the Zonda R, then the Huayra.”
Gearheads would expect Formula 1 cars to have such cutting-edge materials, not a street-legal supercar.
Adina Achim is a journalist with vast knowledge and experience in the luxury industry. She is passionate about luxury car brands, technological trends in the automotive industry, and exotic cars.