Pagani Zonda: Going, Going, Gone?

The Pagani Zonda may well be the Terminator of the automotive world. A bit silly, well loved, and despite repeated attempts to kill it off, you know ‘it’ll be back’. No-one’s actually sure if Zonda production has finally ceased to make way for the twin-turbo Huayra successor, but reports suggest this eye catching example may well be the last of the breed.

After the final run-out edition specials (TriColoure, Cinque, Uno, Absolute) this is a more standard machine, if such a thing is possible in the lairy world of Pagani. A Ukrainian customer has ordered this F Roadster in the eye-catching hue of purple and contrasting bare carbon fibre, with matching interior.

Of course a Zonda is never going to struggle to attract attention, but even if you’re not keen on the trim on this particular car, there’s no doubt it’s been finished to Horacio Pagani’s fastidiously precise standards. The carbon weave meets in the centre, symmetrically down the length of the body, while the quilted foot wells and turned aluminium details of the lavish cockpit show that despite being with us for 12 years, the Zonda has lost none of its shock-and-awe impact. Though at 3.6 seconds to 60mph and 210mph+ flat out, no-one will really be seeing as it flashes by in a purple haze!

Catapulting this king of all posing pouches along is the Zonda F’s familiar bespoke AMG V12, which kicks out 650bhp in regular tune. Given that since its release we’ve been treated to Clubsport and Cinque iterations, with ever higher outputs, don’t be surprised if the new owner has had words with the factory to squeeze out a bit more go from his new toy, just to keep it competitive.

So, is this really the last Zonda? With the Huayra now in the hands of road testers worldwide and orders already being taken, this may well be the swansong for one of the great supercar debuts of the Noughties. Don’t hold your breath though; there could always be another rise of the machine.

This is a guest post by Ollie Kew - @OllieInGear / tyreroar.blogspot.com