Pagani unveils a fresh take on the legendary Roadster with the new Zonda Cervino
Published on May 18, 2026 at 3:39 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on May 18, 2026 at 4:12 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Decades after the original Pagani Zonda was unveiled, its latest successor – the Pagani Zonda Cervino – has made its big debut.
Unveiled at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, this hypercar features bespoke bodywork and a remarkable upgrade in technology.
Produced by the Pagani Unico program, the Zonda Cervino is not some mere modification of the existing chassis of the Roadster.
It’s a total reimagining.
Here’s what we know so far about the Pagani Zonda Cervino
Cast your minds back to the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and you might recall the debut of the original Pagani Zonda C12.
Made in limited numbers, this mid-engine sports car was hailed as an ‘analogue supercar icon’.
In its wake came a whole host of model variants from the Zonda Roadster in 2003 to the Zonda HP Barchetta.
And as further proof that legends never truly die, the Pagani Zonda Cervino has arrived on the scene.
Unveiled in sunny Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este by Lake Como, it looked every bit the hypercar legend – and we’ve not even seen it in action yet.
With a new suspension system, it’s intended to ‘bridge the gap’ between the analog feel of the original Zonda and today’s standards.
Pagani said ‘every curve and surface’ of the bespoke body has been designed to a suit a ‘unique aesthetic narrative’, and it shows.
Inspired by the ‘alpine peaks’, the Cervino is complimented by a roof scoop and stylish rear wing.
Not much has been confirmed about the specifications of the car, but it’s been widely speculated that a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 will serve as its beating heart.
Only time will tell for sure, though.
The reputation of the Zonda is exemplary
Over the years, Pagani has built a reputation for itself as the top quality manufacturer for hypercars.
And this reputation has extended throughout the car world, to the point where a one-of-one Zonda can command figures of $10 million at auction.
Saudi businessmen and racing drivers are drawn to the brand in equal measure.
Jeremy Clarkson is also a fan, although his experience in a Zonda was diminished slightly by a passerby.
Timeline of the Pagani Zonda
1999: The original C12 debuts at the Geneva Motor Show. The C12-S follows shortly afterwards, boasting a 7.0-liter variant, compared to the 6.0-liter V12 of the C12.
2002: The S 7.3 is released.
2003: The S Roadster is launched, becoming the first open-top variant.
2005: The F and the Roadster F are brought forth, featuring a redesigned body.
2009: The R, a non-road-legal car, designed for the track. The Clinque and the Clinque Roadster also came out this year, originally commissioned by a Hong Kong dealer.
2010: The Tricolore is built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori.
2012: The 760RS is released, as the first official 760 Series car.
2017: The HP Barchetta is built to celebrate Horacio Pagani’s 60th birthday.
2017 – 2024: Various custom one-offs are produced, ranging from the Fantasma Evo to the Riviera.
2026: The Cervino is unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Following stints at LadBible, The Sun, The New York Post, and the Daily Mail, Ben joined the team full-time in February 2025. In his role as Senior Content Writer, his sparkling copy, the ability to sniff out a good story at 100 paces, and a GSOH quickly led to him becoming an integral and invaluable member of the writing staff.
