A visit to Pagani Automobili - Page 4/4

... imagination is the only limiting factor, as the range of customizations available in finish, trim, interior styling and materials are truly limitless.

So you want to buy a Zonda? As long as you don’t live in the United States, your best course of action is to head over to http://www.paganiautomobili.it/ and determine who your local dealer is. They will help you set up all of the necessary details to purchase your new dream machine, including a visit to the factory, where Mr. Pagani himself will be your personal tailor in fitting the car to your needs. All of your vital measurements will be taken, and indeed, the car will be fitted to your exacting requirements, both physically and aesthetically. Your imagination is the only limiting factor, as the range of customizations available in finish, trim, interior styling and materials are truly limitless.

Local dealers are also well equipped by Pagani to provide support, including routine service duties, should your car require it. All dealers (ten, worldwide) have extensive workshops to support maintenance of your car.

If you live in the United States, however, I’m afraid the process is slightly more difficult. Due to emissions regulations, the Zonda cannot be made to comply with federal standards, and thus no dealers currently exist in the United States. All is not lost, however, as you can contact Ms. Roberta Bicocchi directly at the Pagani factory and place your order with her. Generally speaking, U.S. customers can pursue special approvals for collector cars in their home states which would allow the car to be titled and licensed.

Either way, you will need a deposit of twenty percent to begin specification and construction of your new car. In nine to twelve short months (depending on order backlog), your new pride and joy will be delivered.

Prices for the Zonda range from €414,000 for the C12S to €510,000 for the Zonda F. The Roadster splits the difference in price at €481,000. While these prices may seem exorbitant, and indeed are much higher than several other Italian supercars, it must be remembered that these are truly individual cars, handbuilt in the same facility since day one. Countless hours of labor are expended making sure than each and every car is completed to the exacting standards of the customer, and indeed, Mr. Pagani himself. We believe the price to be reasonable when all of these facts are taken into account.

Interesting facts:

1) Currently, the Zonda F generates the most interest among both journalists and potential customers. Its performance is incredible, even considering the already monumental performance of the “standard” C12S.

2) The most popular color of the Zonda is silver, though often in different shades.

3) Each Zonda car had to pass seventy tests to gain European type acceptance and be certified for use in all EU countries.

4) Pagani is the only independent car manufacturer left in Italy.

5) Mr. Pagani is very active in the company – he is in the office every day. (We spotted him on the manufacturing floor several times during our visit – testimony to the personal ownership he takes in each car.)

6) Pagani actively encourages its current and potential customers to pay a visit to the factory to appreciate all aspects of the car.

7) Pagani has a very high tenure among its employees – culturally, the company is like a large family.

8) The company is currently working to bring a fully homologated car to all markets, including the United States. The tentative goal for completion is 2008.

Yes, yes, we hear you out there – you all want to know what the Zonda experience is like on the road. Well, click on to read about it in the Zonda F review!

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