1-of-10 Pagani Zonda R expected to fetch $6.5m at auction
Published on Feb 08, 2023 at 8:52 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Feb 08, 2023 at 8:52 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Pagani Zonda is arguably one of the most beautiful, best-sounding modern supercars.
Add to that unparalleled build quality and mythical status among car enthusiasts.
That’s precisely why this particular example caught our attention when we recently spotted it for sale.
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Back 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 Pagani Zonda R is truly the marque’s tour de force.
Free from race and governmental regulations, the Zonda R was designed to be the ultimate driver’s car, offering the ultimate uncompromised driving experience.
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The Zonda R’s structure features an advanced iteration of the Zonda F chassis with a carbon-titanium monocoque.
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 that it is a road car modified for the track.
Although it was built with ultimate performance in mind, the Pagano Zonda R’s body, interior, and engine bay are nothing short of spectacular.
Four projector beam lamps peer out above a massive snout flanked y 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.
Pagani Zonda R powerplant
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 Pagani Zonda R sprints to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds 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.
That’s 13 years after Pagani factory driver Marc Basseng recorded a time of 6:47:00 in July 2010.
Zonda R Evolution 05
The Zonda R Evolution being offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s 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 R Evolution specifications in December 2014.
The R Evolution upgrade includes engine and transmission modifications, which provide a bump of 30 horsepower over the stock configuration.
That’s in addition to 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.
The front bodywork was revised with additional dive planes on the front corners, too.
This remarkable track weapon is presented in its stunning exterior livery of exposed carbon fiber with “tricolore” accents throughout.
Pagani Zonda R price
This isn’t the first time this particular Pagani Zonda R has been offered for sale.
The pristine supercar was previously listed via a private sale at RM Sotheby’s for the handsome fee of $6.5 million in 2021.
It’s likely that it’ll fetch a similar price this time round, too.
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Adam Gray is an experienced freelance motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for a variety of lifestyle and business publications. Here at Supercar Blondie, Adam applies his journalistic skills penning social-first content around current news and trends. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car or writing up another viral story, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or at the Riverside Stadium supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
