Muscle memory is a curious thing. It’s been a while. I haven’t driven a Pagani Zonda F since 2013, when we gathered together the most incredible array of ‘analogue supercars’ including Ferrari F40 and F50, Porsche Carrera GT and, of course, XP5 – the prototype McLaren F1 that hit 240.1mph at Ehra-Lessien on 31 March 1998. Before those surreal few days I guess my last taste of the F would have been back in 2006. Yet I instinctively twist the smooth circular metal grip of the key and hold it there, waiting for the high-pitched starter to spin the 7.3-litre V12 into life. There’s a red start button atop the chunky, cylindrical gearshifter for the six-speed manual ’box, but you don’t need it and my lizard brain remembers to forego the extra step. Just twist, hold, wait a fraction of a second and smile. It’s good to be back.

So much is familiar. The flawless texture of the leather on the seats; the lightweight, hollow action of the gearbox when you practise a few shifts; the feel of the beautifully sculpted clutch pedal on the ball of your foot through padded soles; the tiny amount of squish in the padding of the flat-bottomed Nardi steering wheel. And the view. The view is unforgettable. evo enjoyed plenty of seat time with Zondas back in the early days of Pagani, but I suspect even a snatched ten-minute encounter would still sear these sensations forever. You don’t forget cars like the Zonda F. In fact, memories seem to get stronger as time passes. It…