In the world of hypercars, few names evoke the same awe and reverence as Pagani. Known for their obsessive attention to detail, bespoke craftsmanship, and unapologetically artistic approach to engineering, Pagani Automobili has created some of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history. And among these, one name stands as the crown jewel of the Zonda lineage — the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta.
Released in 2018 as a farewell to the legendary Zonda model, the HP Barchetta is more than just a car — it’s a celebration of a legacy. Designed personally by Horacio Pagani himself, this machine isn’t merely about speed or numbers; it’s a love letter to Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and individuality.
The Ultimate Expression of the Zonda
The Zonda HP Barchetta was unveiled at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and officially released the following year. Only three units were ever produced, instantly making it one of the rarest cars on the planet. Of these three, one was reserved for Horacio Pagani’s personal collection — a clear sign of just how special this car is to the man behind the brand.
“HP” in the name stands for Horacio Pagani, while “Barchetta” (meaning “little boat” in Italian) is a term traditionally used for open-top roadsters. The HP Barchetta’s design takes the open-air concept to the extreme, with no traditional roof and only a small windshield — offering an experience that’s as raw as it is refined.
Design: A Rolling Work of Art
Pagani’s cars have always blurred the line between automobile and sculpture, and the HP Barchetta is arguably the most dramatic example of this philosophy. The body is crafted entirely from carbon fiber and Carbo-Titanium, keeping the weight low while offering exceptional rigidity. The design pays homage to previous Zondas while introducing unique touches, such as the partially covered rear wheels — a nod to classic race cars of the mid-20th century.
The exterior finish is fully customizable, but Horacio’s own car features a stunning deep blue carbon fiber weave, set off by contrasting silver details and unique 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum wheels. Every detail is handcrafted, from the titanium exhaust tips to the intricate leather stitching inside the cabin.
Inside, the car feels more like a luxury timepiece than a vehicle. The interior features exposed carbon fiber, polished aluminum, and hand-stitched leather, creating a cockpit that celebrates craftsmanship without compromising performance. The analog gauges, toggle switches, and sculpted gear shifter are all designed to evoke a visceral connection between driver and machine.
Performance: Beauty with Brutality
Underneath its elegant skin, the HP Barchetta is a beast. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine, supplied by Mercedes-AMG. This engine, also used in other Zonda variants, produces around 789 horsepower and over 800 Nm of torque — numbers that translate into a spine-tingling driving experience.
Unlike many modern hypercars that rely on dual-clutch transmissions, the Zonda HP Barchetta uses a 6-speed manual gearbox, giving purists a direct connection to the engine. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.1 seconds, with a top speed estimated to exceed 220 mph.
It’s not just about raw power — the HP Barchetta is tuned for an engaging, track-capable driving experience. Thanks to its lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and active suspension system, the car offers a razor-sharp response that rivals any modern supercar.
A Price Tag as Bold as Its Design
With only three units in existence, the HP Barchetta isn’t just rare — it’s ultra-exclusive. When first announced, it carried a price tag of around $17.5 million, making it one of the most expensive new cars ever sold. But the value of these cars goes far beyond numbers. For collectors, enthusiasts, and Pagani fans, the HP Barchetta represents something money can’t buy — a slice of automotive history.
The Legacy Lives On
While Pagani has since focused on the Huayra and the newer Utopia models, the Zonda refuses to fade into history. The HP Barchetta is a fitting send-off for a model that redefined what a hypercar could be. It’s loud, unapologetically analog, and painstakingly beautiful — everything that made the Zonda special, distilled into its purest form.
In an era where automation and electrification are becoming the norm, the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta stands as a defiant piece of mechanical art. It reminds us that cars can be more than transportation — they can be expressions of passion, personality, and timeless design.
