ZONDA VISION

The Pagani Zonda is seen as one of the great analogue supercars, but 23 years on from its launch, does it still have the same impact? We find out behind the wheel of Horacio Pagani’s own Zonda F

USCLE MEMORY IS A CURIOUS thing. It’s been a while. I haven’t driven a Pagani Zonda F since 2013, when we gathered together the most incredible array of ‘analogue supercars’ including Ferrari F40 and F50, Porsche Carrera GT and, of course, XP5 – the prototype McLaren F1 that hit 240.1mph at Ehra-Lessien on 31 March 1998. Before those surreal few days I guess my last taste of the F would have been back in 2006. Yet I instinctively twist the smooth circular metal grip of the key and hold it there, waiting for the high-pitched starter to spin the 7.3-litre V12 into life. There’s a red start button atop the chunky, cylindrical gearshifter for the six-speed manual ’box, but you don’t need it and my lizard brain remembers to forego the extra step. Just twist, hold, wait a fraction of a second and smile. It’s good to be back.

So much is familiar. The flawless texture of the leather on the seats; the lightweight, hollow action of the gearbox when you practise a few shifts; the feel of the beautifully sculpted clutch pedal on the ball of your foot through padded soles; the tiny amount of squish in the padding of the flat-bottomed Nardi steering wheel. And the view. The view is unforgettable. enjoyed plenty of seat time with Zondas back in the early days