The Miami Art Basel event, which features premium manufacturers exhibiting their most recent innovations, has become a major highlight on the automotive calendar. An impressive full-scale model of the Pagani Zonda F, made by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Arbiza, was one of the year’s highlights. Jorge Gomez, a vehicle collector, commissioned this amazing piece, which took three years to finish—longer than Pagani usually takes to build one of their famous V12 hypercars.
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Over 100,000 coins and half a million weld points are used to create the replica, which is made completely of Uruguayan pesos. Every component of the original Zonda has been painstakingly restored, with certain coins painted black to make an image of the renowned Argentinean football player Lionel Messi. This shows how much the owner and artist admired the sports hero.
Numerous coins have been twisted to resemble the Zonda’s curves and design features, such as the wheels and tires, which are also fashioned of coins, demonstrating Arbiza’s exceptional attention to detail. Although it noticeably lacks the 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that distinguishes the original, the replica weighs about 1,250 kg (2,755 lbs), which is equivalent to the weight of a real Zonda.
Unlike many Paganis that sit unused in garages, this one-of-a-kind design is a compelling showcase that can be shown without worrying about the powertrain. Arbiza’s artwork is a highlight of this year’s Art Basel because it not only honors automotive design but also incorporates cultural aspects.
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