Pagani Zonda C12

Debuted in 1999, the Pagani Zonda C12 stormed the supercar world. Born from the tireless ambition of ex-Lamborghini composites engineer Horacio Pagani, the Zonda was created to realise the ultimate, authentic driving experience. Inspired by fighter jets and 1990s prototype race cars alike, the cockpit was inset from the width of the car and visually further forward than many of its counterparts at the time. The C12 took its name from Horacio’s wife Christina ‘C’, and the 12 for the twelve cylinders of its AMG-sourced powerplant.

One of the earliest cars built, of the original 5 examples, this Zonda C12 was 1 of just 3 examples that found its way into customers' hands. The first car was first used for the primary crash test and then subsequently restored to launch specification and remains with the factory. The second car produced, ‘La Nonna’ too remains with the factory as the test Zonda and has since covered over 1 million kilometres. A sixth car was built at the time, a unique C12 roadster that too was used for crash testing purposes. Chassis #5 wasn't used until the launch of the first Zonda S one year later.

Of the original 6 C12s built, this car remains the sole RHD example, and 1 of just 3 in private hands.

Pagani as a brand has become synonymous with personalisation. With factory support and sign off, cars have been able to return to the factory to enable each custodian to upgrade their car with an almost tick-box like approach, to include any number of options that have been developed since, similar to what McLaren facilitated with the F1 after production was completed. As a result, many early C12 and C12 S’ are no longer in their originally supplied configuration. This example returned to the factory as such and sees a number of desirable options over and above its original specification.

Chassis 007 has received both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades over time. On the outside, most noticeably, this example received the front clamshell from- arguably the finest Zonda, the ‘F’. The revised front clam affords the car significantly upgraded headlights moving from dual to tri-beam lights, as well as the vee-shape nose in the centre of the bonnet. Available from the S onwards, this revised shape also allows for a visual carbon fibre centre section, split by an Italian Tricolore. The ‘F’ front clamshell also relocates the mirrors further forwards, allowing for electronic adjustment and much better visibility.

Whilst the C12s were originally optioned with a traditional, single-piece rear wing, this example features the upgraded C12 S specification two-part split-wing design; A very rare option, no longer available from the factory. Pagani was in fact, the very first manufacturer to offer a visible carbon fibre weave on a production car, although this option wasn’t offered until the second year of production. When this example returned to the factory for its updated front clam, the lower sills were changed to visual carbon fibre and the rear welcomed the updated lower diffuser. Additionally, 19-inch wheels launched on the C12 S were added at this time.

Mechanically this example was upgraded from its original 6.0 litre to the enlarged 7.0 litre and benefits from the S specification ECU and uprated power. The exhaust was upgraded too, to really ensure the V12 soundtrack can be heard. The interior has been revised too, retrimmed to include the Italian Tricolore in black leather with black Alcantara inserts. Notably, the interior sees the welcome addition of an ‘F’ specification Alcantara-trimmed Nardi steering wheel.

Rare to find, this early build Pagani Zonda features a number of desirable options whilst retaining the original purity, through the six-speed manual gearbox. In the care of several prominent UK collectors, this Zonda has covered just 23,450 kilometres from new. The original fitted luggage accompanies the car along with UK registration and thorough service history. This fabulous proposition is available for viewing at our showrooms outside London immediately.