Horacio Pagani’s approach to building the cars that bear his name is infused with the sensibilities of a Renaissance artist; indeed, he has always maintained that his inspiration comes from Leonardo Da Vinci, who believed art and science were naturally complementary. Like the Zonda that established Pagani’s reputation as a virtuoso of automotive design, the Huayra is a harmonious blend of functional design, exquisite detail, cutting-edge materials and the harnessing of monumental power. Pagani’s inner artist finds expression in the Huayra’s tiniest details, but it’s worth stepping back and viewing the larger picture, beginning with the artist himself.
Pagani’s artistry with composites is evidenced in both the Huayra’s basic structure and its many handcrafted details. That skill can be traced to his background as a pioneer in composite development while serving as director of composites for Lamborghini, where he tested the limits of management by insisting on purchasing an autoclave to advance his studies. When the powers that be at Sant’Agata refused, he purchased his own and began the research that resulted in the car that pushed his name onto the world stage: the Zonda.
While instantly successful in Europe and Asia, the Zonda also attracted the attention of such established manufacturers as Porsche, Ferrari, Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz, all of which had competitors in the market just years after the Zonda’s 1999 introduction.
Pagani’s answer to these latecomers was the Huayra, which was being designed at the same time for homologation to the U.S. market. And what an answer: just as the Zonda before it, the Huayra raised the bar even against its new competition, beginning with the most technically advanced body structure ever conceived, which was constructed with Pagani’s exclusive carbon-titanium composite dubbed “carbotanium,” a woven blend of carbon fiber and strands of titanium that is lighter and stronger than carbon fiber, increases torsional rigidity and does not shatter upon impact like carbon fiber does.
The Huayra set a new standard for penetrating the air, its shape literally mimicking that of a modern jet fighter. Its active suspension works with computer-actuated flaps at each corner that rise and fall as instructed by onboard computers to counter balance dynamic cornering forces with finely tailored aerodynamic loads. Under hard braking, the front suspension self-adjusts to counter dive while the rear flaps rise to act as air brakes.
Pagani’s close relationship with Mercedes-Benz came by way of introduction by no less a hallowed figure than five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, who adopted Pagani as a protégé and arranged a contract to supply him with Mercedes-Benz engines. The Huayra’s twin-turbocharged V-12 engine is hand made by AMG, each one fitted with a plate bearing the assembler’s name and attached to the CAD-machined plenum. The insistence upon art extends to this 730 HP titan in the forms of the Huayra’s hand-fabricated quadruple-outlet exhausts, which are shaped by patient craftsmen from sheets of titanium and then welded and baked into visually captivating sculptures that fulfill their role with a thunderous jet-like roar.
The Huayra’s cabin presents a visual feast unlike any of its competitors, a realm of expertly finished hand-stitched Davi leather, exquisitely rendered carbon fiber and alloy forms, and switchgear purposely designed for a positive feel inspired by a long-ago—and long-remembered—encounter with a vintage Alfa sedan.
Finished in a Bianco Benny exterior with black accents and a Rojo interior with diamond-stitching, this 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster presents in sensational condition, a tribute to the incredible talents who brought it to life in Pagani’s immaculate Modena facility.
More than possessing perhaps the world’s premier hypercar, owning a Pagani Huayra is an entry into an active and enthusiastic community and events at many superb venues, including an annual gathering hosted by the Pagani family and factory team. It is rare indeed for an example of this incredible automobile—each one bespoke—to be offered for public sale, a fact that underlines the exclusivity of this opportunity.
This vehicle will be offered by Mecum as LOT S111 during their Monterey event, running from August 15-17.
Presented by Mecum Auctions
Mecum Auctions is now headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars offered at auction, No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars sold at auction, No. 1 in the U.S. with number of auction venues, No. 1 in the U.S. in total dollar volume of sales, and is host to the world’s largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida.
