The Zonda debuted at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show as Pagani's first production model. Under development since the late 1980s, the Zonda's design was inspired by jet fighters and the Sauber-Mercedes Group C race cars. The car was first tested at the Dallara wind tunnel in 1993, and in 1994, Mercedes-Benz agreed to supply Pagani with V-12 engines. Pagani launched many developments of the Zonda throughout the years, offering updated aerodynamics and engines. While the prototype's 6.0-liter V-12 generated 389 horsepower, the final 760-series models came with a larger 7.3-liter V-12 that cranked out 760 horsepower. Releases included track-ready and track-only versions, as well as an array of one-off variants built to unique specs.

Although the nameplate was officially retired in 2011, when the Huayra was introduced as a replacement, new Zondas, mostly unique cars with expensive options, kept rolling out from Pagani's shop. The latest to see the light of day is the Zonda MD, which was completed and delivered to its lucky owner in June 2016.

Whether this is the last Zonda to leave Horacio's shop or not is a mystery only time will solve, but given Pagani's tradition as a bespoke car manufacturer, I wouldn't be surprised to see new models hitting the streets later this year. But until that happens, let's have a closer look at Horacio's latest Zonda project, the MD. Oh, and in case you're wondering, those two letters are the initials of the owner.

Continue reading to learn more about the Pagani Zonda MD.

2016 Pagani Zonda MD

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Pagani Zonda MD
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 760
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Pagani Zonda MD special

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the Zonda MD is the Ink Blue paint job. Applied as a thin coat over the fully visible carbon-fiber body, the finish is complemented by an unpainted carbon-fiber roof scoop and rear wing, and matte grey wheels with red inserts. Unlike other custom Zondas, the MD comes with no decals whatsoever, lacking the race-like livery seen on recent Pagani products. Also, although it is based on the radical Zonda 760, the MD doesn't have the latter's central fin and vents on the rear fenders, which gives it a more elegant appearance. As far as unique elements go, the MD received a front hood with wider openings and NACA ducts on the rear fenders.

On the inside, the MD benefits from the enormous amount of carbon-fiber, leather, and Alcantara that comes with just about any Pagani model nowadays. Setting it apart are the carbon-fiber dashboard, center console, and door panel inserts painted the same shade of blue as the exterior, the anodized aluminum inserts on the center stack and instrument cluster, and the brown leather and beige Alcantara on the seats. The same beige Alcantara adorns the passenger side dash, while the steering wheel features vintage-looking wooden sections on the lower and upper rim to go with white spokes.

Although there is no confirmation as to what drivetrain lies under the rear hood, it's safe to assume that the MD is based on the 760-series Zonda. This means it uses a beefed-up version of the AMG-sourced, 7.3-liter V-12 that cranks out 760 horsepower, a whopping 213 horses more than the original Zonda S, the first to use the larger V-12. But, unlike other 760 models, this one uses a manual gearbox instead of the race-spec sequential unit. The manual first appeared on the 760LH, which was built for Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. In this configuration, the Zonda needs significantly less than three seconds to hit 60 mph on its way to a top speed estimated at 217 mph.

Pagani Zonda 760

Pagani's first production model, the Zonda first surfaced at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and hit the streets as a customer car in 2002. At first called the Zonda C12, the supercar was later updated into the Zonda S and then the Zonda S 7.3. A roadster and a more powerful Zonda F, named after Formula One driver Juan Manual Fangio, followed in the mid 2000s. Other special-edition versions include the Cinque, Tricolore, R, R Evolution, and Revolucion. Much like any bespoke supercar, the Zonda also spawned a large number of custom one-off models. Notable examples include the 760RS, 760LH, Zonda HH, and 760 LM.

Read our full review on the Pagani Zonda 760 here.