The November sale at FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2019 is first of its kind in the Middle East
RM Sotheby’s announces one-off 2017 Pagani Zonda Aether roadster as feature lot for Abu Dhabi auction
Sale set for 30 November in collaboration with Formula 1 following F1 Qualifying at the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2019
Abu Dhabi auction to feature more than 30 of the world’s most desirable racing, sports, and supercars
RM Sotheby’s has revealed the latest featured entry for its first-ever auction in the Middle East, held in partnership with Formula 1® and set for 30 November at the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2019. An excellent match for collecting tastes in the region, RM Sotheby’s will present the awe-inspiring 2017 Pagani Zonda Aether at the Abu Dhabi sale.
Though the Zonda was discontinued from production in 2012, Pagani has continued to unveil one-off special editions of the legendary hypercar, with the Zonda Aether roadster presented by RM Sotheby’s, chassis no. ZA9C820C110F76131, being one of the final and most potent examples yet. Born of the Pagani atelier and christened ‘the Aether’ after the pure air above the clouds, beneath the car’s stunning exposed carbon-fibre roadster body sits a devilishly powerful, naturally aspirated 7.3-litre V-12 engine producing 760 bhp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Aether’s striking exterior features a mix of matte and gloss carbon fiber with contrasting red accents, a massive rear wing, black wheels, and a rear diffuser. Many elements are inspired by the Zonda Cinque, including a carbon fibre roof scoop and similar air intakes on the rear arches. Additional bespoke features include door straps instead of handles and a green push-button starter from the Zonda R. In the age of hybrid hypercars, the Zonda offers an incredible analogue driving experience, and the Aether is one of the finest specifications built. Offered from the collection of its original owner, the Aether is the first Zonda to be offered at auction in nearly seven years and is an opportunity not to be missed (Estimate: $4,500,000 - $5,500,000).
“Horacio Pagani’s goal has always been to create a car that is both an engineering marvel and a work of art, and he’s certainly achieved that in the Zonda Aether,” comments Michael Squire, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “Each new Pagani model and example revealed has become immediately collectible, a true accomplishment for a relatively new manufacturer. The Aether is an incredible combination of form and function, one that’s difficult to take your eyes off, and we look forward to finding it a new home within a discerning collection of sports and supercars at our inaugural Abu Dhabi sale.”
The announcement of the Zonda Aether comes just prior to RM Sotheby’s record-setting annual Monterey sale, 15-17 August in California, where the auction house will host a Formula 1®activation featuring an Aston Martin Red Bull Racing show car, together with both the drivers' and Constructors' FIA Formula One World Championship™ trophies and much more. The Zonda Aether will also be on display in Sotheby’s St. George Street London galleries from Thursday, 15 August and remain on view for a couple of weeks this summer. The RM Sotheby’s team looks forward to sharing information about the Abu Dhabi sale with clients onsite during Monterey Car Week.
RM Sotheby’s ground-breaking auction at the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2019 - the region’s first-ever major international collector car auction - is set for the evening of Saturday, 30 November at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit. The sale will bring together an expertly curated selection of significant Grand Prix™ racing machines, road-going sports cars with an historical connection to the world of motorsport, alongside a broader collection of hand-picked, blue-chip classic and supercars. The auction will take place on the Saturday evening of the race weekend from the First Floor of the Formula 1 Paddock Club™ overlooking the pitlane. Fans and registered bidders will be able to view the cars to be auctioned over the Grand Prix™ weekend. The cars will then be paraded down the main straight and driven along the F1®pitlane for auction.
