When Horatio Pagani unveiled the Zonda HP Barchetta at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2017 to celebrate his 60th birthday, car collectors around the world instantly had the same exact thought. “How many?”
The question wasn’t how much, how fast, or how many horsepower? The question was, “How many?”
Car collectors wanted to know how many 2017 Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta’s were produced. The answer to that question tells car collectors everything they need to know about value, rarity, and their chances of someday owning one.
Check out my episode about Horacio Pagani and creating the Zonda C12 –
How Many Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta’s Produced?
So when Pagani reported only three Zonda HP Barchetta’s were made, and one of the models will go directly to Horacio Pagani’s personal car collection, it was clear the potential value for this rig could be astronomical.
And the chances of someday owning one of the other two models in existence is effectively zero. The 2017 Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta is worth $18 million, making it one of the most expensive supercars in the world.
What Makes the Zonda HP Barchetta Worth $18 Million?
With an impressive top speed of 221 miles per hour, or 355 km per hour, the Zonda HP Barchetta is one of the fastest Pagani’s ever built. But a car worth 18 million dollars is about more than speed. As ridiculous as it might sound, the top speed of the HP Barchetta is nothing more than an after-though.
The Components
Of course, the components of the HP Barchetta make the car unlike any other. Later, we’ll deep-dive into these unique features to get an understanding of what is actually inside the amazing car. From the Carbo-Titanium Monocoque chassis, to the tartan canvas interior fabric inspired by Horacio’s mentor, Juan Manuel Fangio, every inch of the HP Barchetta is infused by the founder’s personal taste.
But joining car parts, materials, and components together don’t tell the entire story. It’s much more than an engine, seats, tires, and impressive details. Understanding the value of a special edition Pagani takes much more explanation than spark plugs and fine leather.
Limited Supply, Unlimited Demand
Another reason the HP Barchetta is valued at nearly $20 million is the limited supply of just 3 cars. With one car sitting in the garage of Horacio Pagani, it adds even more desirability to the already insanely in-demand limited-edition car.
Maybe nobody understands the laws of supply and demand better than Horacio Pagani. Building handmade supercars is not a fast process, supply is already extremely limited. But building a single car that nobody wants to own or drive is worthless. You must have demand, and Pagani has soared to the top of the car world as the most desired brand.
Pagani has perfected the science of limited supply and unlimited demand. Car collectors dream about driving and owning a Pagani like no other car on the planet.
The Brand
What makes the Zonda HP Barchetta worth $18 million is Pagani, the brand. Horacio has defined his company as creators of the most stunning, beautiful, desired, hand built cars ever made. Over the last 30 years, Horacio Pagani has sculpted his brand to represent absolute car perfection.
Trying to value the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta is difficult. Ask any passerby if 18 million dollars is too much money for a car and they will most likely say “yes.” But the more you begin to understand this car, the more you begin to wonder if the car’s value could be much, much more than $18 million.
Who Owns a Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta?
One of the three Zonda HP Barchetta models currently sits in Horacio Pagani’s collection, leaving only two other cars in private collector hands.
The second car resides with an unnamed collector, and car number three is owned by TopCar Design founder, and notorious Pagani collector, Oleg Egorov.
That leaves one more owner of the 18 million dollar Pagani. If you own car number two, please let me know. I would love to visit with you. Perhaps we could meet for coffee?
A Deeper Understanding of the 2017 Zonda HP Barchetta?
The closer you look at the HP Barchetta, the more detail you see. It’s impossible to give a brief summary of this rig. Focusing on one detail just leads to another, more amazing detail.
I’ve noticed some car collectors become somewhat frustrated looking at the Pagani because they just don’t know where to start. It’s as if the detail and craftsmanship overpowers their senses, blinded. They reach back and turn to a ’68 Corvette, something they can easily understand. There’s no fault in this. A Pagani is not for everyone.
However, if you find yourself summoned to the Pagani, attracted by it’s mystery, and beauty, don’t let the feeling go. Dive deeper and you will discover almost unlimited wonder in these creations.
Exterior
At first glance, you’ll notice the familiar front-end of the famous Zonda models, with it’s sleek and subtle lines flowing over the wheel wells all the way to the rear spoiler. But it’s missing the top. Horatio wanted a “barchetta,” or open-topped car for a pure and natural driving experience.
With a hat-tip to past “barchetta” racing legends like the 1948 Ferrari 166 MM, and the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP, the open-top Pagani HP Barchetta tributes championship-winning race cars with legendary drivers completely exposed to the elements.
Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax HP52 Monocoque
The chassis of the HP Barchetta is a carbon composite and titanium alloy, also known as the patented material invented by Modena Design, a division of Pagani.
The patent material, named “Carbotanium,” is not used on every Pagani model, some are only carbon fiber. But on the HP Barchetta, stiffness increases 52% at the same weight by using Carbotanium and Carbo-Triax.
The lightweight and super-strong material boasts the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal. Combine the Carbotanim with the steel tubes made of Crmo vanadium and you have a frame that’s lightweight, and strong with superior performance in high-temperature environments.
Engine
Inside the HP Barchetta is the epic Mercedes-Benz 7.3 liter V12 engine. Cranking out 627 pound-feet of torque and 789 horsepower, the Mercedes V12 engine designed specifically for Pagani continues to deliver.
Interior
If you’re not impressed by carbon fiber, V12 Mercedes AMG engines, and forged-aluminum alloy wheels, then turn your eyes to the car’s interior.
Artwork on Wheels
We can’t end a discussion about a Pagani without commenting on the creation of art. Over and over again, Horatio talks about creating artwork and designing cars in the same way a sculptor or painter would create a masterpiece.
Influenced by Da Vinci, and inspired by histories greatest championship race car drivers, Horatio is determined to bring art and science, design and engineering, past, present, and future – together through his automobiles. With each and every car that rolls out of Pagani’s Modena headquarters in Italy, there’s no doubt he’s achieving his incredible vision.
