Pagani Zonda

There have only been around 100 Zondas ever manufactured. But everyone has heard of them.

Stunning. I think with this finish and all the exterior flourishes, the supreme hi-grade engineering suitably couples the stylistic excesses perfectly. One sight of this car instantly renders all other vehicles as utterly staid and bland.

For me, the big story of the Zonda is that glorious, 7.3 litre aluminium DOHC, 48 valve, V12, M120 engine, that first debuted in the C12 S of 2002. Hand-reared by AMG, the M120.990 produces anywhere from 540bhp to 740bhp, depending on application. Considering that it has seen service in two generations of S-class and the R129 SL, then it will make a stripped out R Clubsport, veritably fly. Made in very limited numbers, the supply line for these engines has stopped, necessitating Pagani to seek a new powerplant partner.

A considerable shame, as in my book, alongside the BMW S70/2, BMW N62 family, Jaguar V12 and the Chevy Small-Block V8, it is, quite simply, one of the all-time great engines.