One of the more fascinating aspects of the modern motoring scene is the recent emergence of the small independent supercar manufacturer, many of which have gone from relative obscurity to the status of household names in just a few short years, usually on the back of a product range offering hitherto almost unimaginable levels of performance.

Whereas at one time established manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin only had one another to worry about, they now have to contend with the likes of Koenigsegg, Spyker, Noble, Ultima and, of course, Pagani.

Horacio Pagani was no newcomer to the world of automotive engineering when he built the first Zonda in 1999, for the Argentine-born industrial design graduate had been working with Lamborghini since the mid-1980s, developing the Countach and Diablo road cars and assisting with the Italian manufacturer's Formula 1 engine programme.

The Zonda C12 debuted in coupé form at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show...