The Art Basel event in Miami has emerged as a significant highlight on the automotive calendar, showcasing luxury brands and their latest innovations. This year, a standout piece was a stunning full-scale replica of the Pagani Zonda F, created by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Arbiza. This remarkable work was commissioned by car collector Jorge Gomez and took three years to complete, which is longer than it typically takes Pagani to build one of their renowned V12 hypercars.
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The replica is crafted entirely from Uruguayan pesos, utilizing over 100,000 coins and half a million weld points. Each part of the original Zonda has been meticulously recreated, with some coins painted black to form a portrait of legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, highlighting the artist’s and owner’s admiration for the sports icon.
Arbiza’s attention to detail is extraordinary, with many coins bent to mimic the Zonda’s curves and design elements, including the wheels and tires, which are also made from the coins. Weighing approximately 1,250 kg (2,755 lbs), the replica matches the weight of a genuine Zonda, although it notably lacks the 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that defines the original.
This unique creation serves as a captivating showpiece, allowing it to be displayed without concerns about the powertrain, contrasting with many Paganis that remain unused in garages. Arbiza’s artwork not only celebrates automotive design but also blends it with cultural elements, making it a highlight of this year’s Art Basel.
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