Is a Zonda really worth it?

[BelfastBoy]

darksider said:

I am still on the hunt. It's tough because the Zonda's that are for sale are scattered all across Europe and I live in North America. And of course, work is time consuming (you can't afford a car like this unless you are hustling as much as I am). Then there is the issue of figuring out if the Zonda I get can be upgraded to a 760 spec. Oh and did I mention how much of a hassle it is to import a European car into America? I honestly never thought buying my dream car would be this stressful but hopefully it will all work out!

Good luck with the search! I really hope you get to realise the dream of Zonda ownership. My understanding is that the basic Zonda design is consistent throughout all variants so if you do secure a suitable vehicle, it can be upgraded to pretty much any spec you want. (I think a 7.3 engine is necessary for the full range of power outputs but pretty much all of the vehicles on sale have these.) Also, one option to avoid the hassle of importing to N America would be to store the car in Europe, have you considered that? I believe that David H Hansson - owner of the Zonda HH - does this (or he certainly used to). One of his residences is in Marbella, Spain.

[TISPKJ]

I posted on one of the other threads that I thought I read that a deal was imminent or had in fact been done and you were waiting for the car to be delivered to either London or Monaco ....... Or was that someone else ?

[darksider]

BelfastBoy said:

Good luck with the search! I really hope you get to realise the dream of Zonda ownership. My understanding is that the basic Zonda design is consistent throughout all variants so if you do secure a suitable vehicle, it can be upgraded to pretty much any spec you want. (I think a 7.3 engine is necessary for the full range of power outputs but pretty much all of the vehicles on sale have these.) Also, one option to avoid the hassle of importing to N America would be to store the car in Europe, have you considered that? I believe that David H Hansson - owner of the Zonda HH - does this (or he certainly used to). One of his residences is in Marbella, Spain.

Yes a 7.3 engine is what I would need. As of right now the car would have to be imported as a "demo" car which I have no problem with because the car is only going to be in the US for half year and then in Monaco. It's still a big hassle nonetheless. But I suppose I shouldn't be complaining about first world problems especially one like this haha

[BelfastBoy]

Just thought of a random question, which is sort of relevant as it's a Zonda thread with much discussion about the extent of customisation possible. Here we go then: it's apparently possible to convert a Zonda from LHD to RHD and vice versa (don't know if anyone's actually done this). But, is it possible to turn a coupe into a roadster? Streetrod - any thoughts?

[Streetrod]

BelfastBoy said:

Just thought of a random question, which is sort of relevant as it's a Zonda thread with much discussion about the extent of customisation possible. Here we go then: it's apparently possible to convert a Zonda from LHD to RHD and vice versa (don't know if anyone's actually done this). But, is it possible to turn a coupe into a roadster? Streetrod - any thoughts?

I have never seen it done. But like a McLaren 650S the Zonda Roadster does not have any additional bracing in the tub compared to the coupe so in theory you could lop off the roof without compromising the rigidity. But why would you want too, it would be a lot of work and hassle and there are almost as many roadsters as there are coupes and neither carries a premium.

[NRS]

Streetrod said:

BelfastBoy said:

Just thought of a random question, which is sort of relevant as it's a Zonda thread with much discussion about the extent of customisation possible. Here we go then: it's apparently possible to convert a Zonda from LHD to RHD and vice versa (don't know if anyone's actually done this). But, is it possible to turn a coupe into a roadster? Streetrod - any thoughts?

I have never seen it done. But like a McLaren 650S the Zonda Roadster does not have any additional bracing in the tub compared to the coupe so in theory you could lop off the roof without compromising the rigidity. But why would you want too, it would be a lot of work and hassle and there are almost as many roadsters as there are coupes and neither carries a premium.

That's certaintly my feeling too. They did a few bits and pieces to the roadster, but nothing that couldn't be done to a coupe from my understanding,

What do people think of the new Zonda LM? There's also soon to be a Zonda "X" which will be carbon and baby blue/ torquoise.

Edited by NRS on Wednesday 28th May 17:09

[darksider]

NRS said:

That's certaintly my feeling too. They did a few bits and pieces to the roadster, but nothing that couldn't be done to a coupe from my understanding,

What do people think of the new Zonda LM? There's also soon to be a Zonda "X" which will be carbon and baby blue/ torquoise.

I really like the LM; cool headlights and hood although the spoiler isn't my cup of tea. I could definitely see myself driving this.

P.S What do you think mine should be named? Zonda Darksider? Or my initials, Zonda JD?

[TISPKJ]

Depends on the colour, Darksider sounds awesome as long as the cars not pink :-)

[darksider]

So I am officially back on the hunt again after taking a break because the last few months have been stressful after starting a new company. I am heading to Europe in June and I want to get this done once and for all!

I need help finding Zonda's that are for sale - James Edition has only a handful of Zonda's so if anyone knows of others, let me know!

[vincegail]

Europe in June? Maybe a race that lasts one day and takes place in France?

Good luck on the Zonda hunt!!!

Here's a picture of a Zonda (quite famous one) I spotted at said race in France last year:

[RViani]

darksider said:

So I am officially back on the hunt again after taking a break because the last few months have been stressful after starting a new company. I am heading to Europe in June and I want to get this done once and for all!

I need help finding Zonda's that are for sale - James Edition has only a handful of Zonda's so if anyone knows of others, let me know!

I know of a Zonda for sale, although it is unlisted. Just sent you a message.

[SpeedFreakDave]

I heard there was a decent one for sale in Spain

Do you want Lhd or rhd?

[SpeedFreakDave]

Has the blue one at joe macari sold?

[darksider]

SpeedFreakDave said:

I heard there was a decent one for sale in Spain

Do you want Lhd or rhd?

Indeed there is and the Zonda in question is at Super Garage Marbella. Last year I contacted them about the price and they quoted me €1,200,000. Just a few days ago, I reached out to them again stating my renewed interest and all of a sudden the car is now €1,500,000! I was infuriated; how could a car increase in price when it's sat around unsold for almost 2 years?

It's obvious they are having a hard time selling it and yet they saw fit to jack up the price. It seems to me that when the only serious buyer they have had in a long time comes knocking, they try to take advantage of that strong interest. I hope this isn't the case but if it is, this is poor business conduct. They have every right to increase their prices, but don't treat your potential customers like fools.

The good thing is, I have a solid second option because Bob Forstner is selling a very nice Zonda F Roadster for only €1,400,000. At least he seems more reputable.

[TISPKJ]

Hi think I posted before on the subject but if I was looking I would contact the factory directly as they should no of any cars for sale.
Also the brokers such as Dion at the elms collection worth a shout.
These kind of cars don't go in the classifieds as I am sure your aware, guy I know has one and mixes with owners so they often know of cars, will ask the question for you.

Edited to add the guy does not know of any currently - sorry

Edited by TISPKJ on Sunday 12th July 09:19

[NRS]

darksider said:

SpeedFreakDave said:

I heard there was a decent one for sale in Spain

Do you want Lhd or rhd?

Indeed there is and the Zonda in question is at Super Garage Marbella. Last year I contacted them about the price and they quoted me €1,200,000. Just a few days ago, I reached out to them again stating my renewed interest and all of a sudden the car is now €1,500,000! I was infuriated; how could a car increase in price when it's sat around unsold for almost 2 years?

It's obvious they are having a hard time selling it and yet they saw fit to jack up the price. It seems to me that when the only serious buyer they have had in a long time comes knocking, they try to take advantage of that strong interest. I hope this isn't the case but if it is, this is poor business conduct. They have every right to increase their prices, but don't treat your potential customers like fools.

The good thing is, I have a solid second option because Bob Forstner is selling a very nice Zonda F Roadster for only €1,400,000. At least he seems more reputable.

It depends what the market is doing - if it going up then the dealer is likely to put the price up anyway. It also may just be what the owner is asking too, as often these are on Sale or Return. From looking at the Zonda market it's pretty clear some cars go on sale just to push the market price slowly up. They go up for a high price that it almost certainly won't sell at. However it makes the price of others look cheap, so they sell and the price slowly creeps up over time. Since it's a car that will only rarely be used then selling it at a garage with SOR doesn't affect the owner in terms of being able to drive it. So they get the benefit of pushing market prices up, making a big profit if someone does decide to buy at the "silly" asking price, and they don't really lose out by not being able to drive it lots. Could be the case with this car.

[zondaboy]

What about the Estonia/Spain based white and red Zonda S that was spotted at London detailer Topaz earlier in the year and the twice crashed GJ? Did you manage to find out more Darksider? I think those two cars were most suitable for what you intended to do.

[darksider]

NRS said:

It depends what the market is doing - if it going up then the dealer is likely to put the price up anyway. It also may just be what the owner is asking too, as often these are on Sale or Return. From looking at the Zonda market it's pretty clear some cars go on sale just to push the market price slowly up. They go up for a high price that it almost certainly won't sell at. However it makes the price of others look cheap, so they sell and the price slowly creeps up over time. Since it's a car that will only rarely be used then selling it at a garage with SOR doesn't affect the owner in terms of being able to drive it. So they get the benefit of pushing market prices up, making a big profit if someone does decide to buy at the "silly" asking price, and they don't really lose out by not being able to drive it lots. Could be the case with this car.

Good points. Perhaps I just overreacted but the reason why I made my assumptions is because I've had this happen to me before. Its the intent behind the price raise that bothers me. I think I am going to negotiate with Bob Forstner anyways because the Zonda F he has is a better spec, lower price but higher km's though.

To compare:

http://www.jamesedition.com/cars/pagani/zonda-road...

http://www.jamesedition.com/cars/pagani/zonda-road...

[darksider]

zondaboy said:

What about the Estonia/Spain based white and red Zonda S that was spotted at London detailer Topaz earlier in the year and the twice crashed GJ? Did you manage to find out more Darksider? I think those two cars were most suitable for what you intended to do.

Don't have a clue about the first Zonda you mentioned. The GJ is a no show as well - tried contacting the original owner for a 2nd time and didn't get a reply.

[darksider]

TurboTerrific9 said:

Anyway if I were you I'd just lowball bid on either car and see what happens - you never know, despite being revered by many, they can be tricky to sell.

I won't make a lowball bid but a reasonable one instead - I work in real estate where I've dealt with lowball bids before and its a waste of everyone's time. The way I see it, seeing as how I am the only person whose interested, that technically makes me the "market" so therefore I can influence the final price.

I just want to get this over with!