A Golden Opportunity
While the rich have plenty of purchasing power to customize their cars to the extreme, some automakers, like Ferrari, may restrict certain modifications to protect brand identity and exclusivity. That difference in approach helped bring this unique Pagani Utopia to life, with a paint finish containing real gold and moon dust, according to owner Kris Singh.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie was Singh’s first choice. But according to the collector, Aston Martin wasn’t willing to handle the valuable lunar material, prompting him to say on social media that it’s “their loss” and that “the show must go on.” Now, this Utopia has received the treatment instead. He recently took delivery of the car in Italy and named it the “Madonna of the Car Nation.”
The Art of Excess
Madonna of the Car Nation is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna of the Carnation painting, particularly its gold tones. Referencing the Italian polymath is a recurring theme in Singh’s car collection. He previously owned a Huayra La Monza Lisa, a nod to da Vinci’s most famous painting, and a Huayra BC Macchina Volante, referencing the Renaissance genius’ flying machine designs.
As for this latest creation, the paint was developed by Karosserie, which combined crushed moon rock with shavings from 24K gold bars. The gold theme carries over into the interior, which features black leather seating with an abundance of gold trim on the seats, doors, dashboard, and pedals.
The gear shifter is also finished in gold and is connected to the optional 7-speed manual transmission. As standard, the Utopia is powered by a 6.0-liter Mercedes-AMG-developed twin-turbocharged V12 engine making 864 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. It makes less horsepower than the naturally aspirated hybrid V12 in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, but considering the nature of this build, the focus appears to be more on customization than outright performance anyway.
@lamborghiniks/Instagram
Moon Tax
Singh didn’t disclose the total build cost. But for reference, Pagani is limiting Utopia production to 229 units, 99 of which are coupes, with the latter starting at around $2.5 million. Adding real gold and extraterrestrial materials could only mean the modifications sent the price into orbit.
But perhaps the biggest luxury here isn’t the exotic touches themselves, but the freedom to customize a car without compromise.
@lamborghiniks/Instagram
