This is the one-of-a-kind 2003 Pagani Zonda GR (GR-001), a racing version of Horacio Pagani’s iconic Zonda model which was developed by a third-party of racing drivers and team owners in order to introduce the Zonda into the motorsport world. In December of 2002 the GR project began development, and in order to get the ball rolling, Dutch racing driver Toine Hezemans reportedly purchased the worldwide rights to develop Pagani Zonda racing cars. Alongside Hezemans, he was joined by Paul Kumpen, founder of the world’s oldest racing team in Belgium (PK Carsport, founded as PEKA racing) and Tom Weickardt of American Viperacing LLC., another successful racing driver/owner. Together, the group formed ‘Carsport Zonda’, and under this new branch, an absolutely menacing Zonda race car would begin to come to life at their Modena, Italy HQ. The GR featured the addition of newly-designed louvers, new front and rear diffusers, an improved suspension, a new rear wing, race-oriented brakes/wheels, and a wide variety of other enhancements such as a larger radiator, two air-intake restrictor plates and more. After numerous tests and lots of publicity, on March 4th, the Zonda race car arrived to the United States, giving GT-racing team Carsport America just 11 days to prepare for the 12 Hours of Sebring. The GR underwent numerous changes over the years, including livery changes, engine changes, and other modifications as well, all with the help of engineer Mike Gramke. In its debut race outing, with Mike Hezemans behind the wheel, the GR secured a 54th place result. The GR did officially compete in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans, however, ultimately did not finish the race due to a gearbox failure. From 2003 until 2008, the one-off racer competed in 13 total events with 0 wins and a best result of 4th place during the FIA GT Test Spa in 2003. Most recently, the car has been purchased by @antoninaries and he has since had lots of success racing in smaller euro series under the Rock Robots sponsoring.
How many made? 1
Engine: race-tuned 7.0L V12
Debut: a nightclub in Belgium in February 2003
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @veagle
Research: @rarecarsonly
2003 Pagani Zonda GR
20.09.2024
Pagani