A multi-millionaire financier escaped without a scratch after writing off his £1.4million supercar in the most expensive car crash in history.
Steffen Korbach’s Pagani Zonda F Clubsport Roadster disintegrated after he lost control on a wet motorway in Italy and crashed into a barrier.
The Clubsport Roadster - one of only 25 of the 7.3-litre cars ever made - was a mangled wreck with debris strewn over the carriageway. But its super-safe structure protected Mr Korbach and his 21-year-old female passenger, who both emerged with only minor bruising.
Mangled: The wreckage of the Pagani Zonda Roadster F Clubsport after owner Steffen Korbach crashed on an Italian motorway
Mr Korbach, 28, a German investment banker, crashed on the A10 autostrada as he was on his way to Milan for the official presentation of a new Pagani Huayra - which he recently ordered.
A source said: 'He was driving through roadworks at the speed limit, but when they ended he accelerated up to just over 100kmh (62mph) and hit a pool of surface water which caused the car to aquaplane.
'Even though Steffen is an experienced supercar driver, he couldn't correct the Zonda's position and he collided with the roadside barriers.
Amazing escape: Steffen Korbach at the wheel of the Pagani Zonda Roadster F Clubsport which he has now written off
'The car doesn't have airbags so he was lucky to escape unharmed - it shows how safe the passengers' cell is in these sorts of cars. Amazingly, he's considering getting the car repaired but this won't come cheap - it's been really badly damaged.'
Mr Korbach said that the lively Zonda F Clubsport Roadster can be difficult to control in certain road conditions. It is rated as one the greatest modern supercars, with Top Gear host Richard Hammond a big fan.
It is also one of the world's most expensive new cars with only the £1.5million Koenigsegg CCXR and £1.6million Bugatti Veyron Super Sport costlier. Neither the Koenigsegg nor Bugatti is believed to have ever been written off in a crash.
In pieces: The Zonda after the crash. But owner Steffen Korbach and his female passenger escaped with just minor bruising
ZONDA - SOME FAST FACTS
- Production: 1999 – present (217 Zondas produced)
- Class: sports car
- Engine: Mercedes Benz M180 V12
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Top speed: 214mph
- Weight-to-power ratio: 1,89 kg/hp
- Structure: central carbon fibre chassis
- Max torque: Nm/rpm 780/4000
Mr Korbach, who also owns the Porsche tuning outfit Gemballa, will not be short of supercars to drive in the meantime.
As well as his new Huayra - Pagani's replacement for the Zonda - he owns two Bugatti Veyrons, two Lamborghinis and a Porsche-based Gemballa Mirage.
He has also ordered the new McLaren MP4-12C - widely anticipated to be Britain's greatest ever supercar.
The Italian Zonda, with its rear-mounted V12 engine, produces 650bhp and is capable of doing 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds.
It has a top speed of 214mph and lapped the Top Gear track quicker than the Bugatti Veyron.
Tommy Wareham, director of dealer Super Vettura, said: 'The Pagani Zonda is quite possibly the last ever true-blooded supercar - it's a ferocious poster car for the 21st century.
'It's incredibly exclusive and bespoke and, as these pictures show, it's as safe as it is fast.'
True supercar: The Pagani Zonda Roadster F Clubsport has a top speed of 214mph. Top Gear's Richard Hammond is a huge fan
