"It is the fastest, most powerful, most exclusive and most expensive open sports car in the world" - so says Horacio Pagani of his latest creation. With a 7.3 litre AMG V12 producing 650 HP and 780Nm of torque, he may well be right. The Geneva Salon will see the debut of the new Zonda Roadster F. But with just 25 examples slated for manufacture, there's plenty of the room for the competition.

The conversion from coupe to roadster was not without problems. The lightweight carbon-fibre rear deck - named in tribute to legendary Argentine multiple-World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio - can be lowered in just seconds and offers a completely clear view all round the car when retracted.

By the extensive use of carbon-fibre for chassis, body and interior the Zonda Roadster F weighs in at just 1230 kg, and where one dares will reach speeds of at least 300 km/h. Nevertheless the newest member of the Italian marque's family is not only suitable for acceleration down the pit straight at Le Mans. It's also the perfect car for cruising along the coast at Monte Carlo. Because - as the press text says - the Roadster F is not a racing car, but a "certification of Italian handcrafted art".

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Pagani