On the French Riviera, coming across a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, or even a McLaren isn’t really that unusual anymore. But for the past few weeks, a far more exclusive car has been turning heads around Cannes. Very low to the ground, clad in carbon fiber, equipped with butterfly doors and a massive rear wing, it could easily be mistaken for a prototype. Yet it is neither a Ferrari, nor a Pagani, nor a Maserati, but a Pambuffetti PJ-01.
This rare Italian supercar is currently on display on the French Riviera through’Cannes Racetrack. The dealership, which specializes in luxury cars and carries brands such as Pagani, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Aston Martin, is also the exclusive distributor of Pambuffetti Automobili.That’s why this PJ-01, with its light-colored body accented by carbon fiber and red details, can currently be spotted under the palm trees in Cannes.
Only 25 copies announced
We had already told you that...introduced the Pambuffetti PJ-01 a little over a year ago. Behind this still largely unknown name lies a small Italian automaker founded by Juri Pambuffetti in Umbria. The automotive project began in 2017 with a rather audacious ambition: to handcraft a supercar capable of delivering a driving experience similar to that of a Formula 1 single-seater. The PJ-01 was finally unveiled in 2021 at the Milano Monza Motor Show. The announced production run is minuscule: just 25 units, hand-assembled at a rate of up to six cars per year. Suffice it to say, the chances of encountering one on the road are particularly slim.
A Lamborghini V10 with over 700 ch
The most interesting part is behind the cockpit. The PJ-01 is powered by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated Lamborghini V10, derived from a racing version. Depending on the configuration chosen, Pambuffetti claims power output ranging from 700 to 820 ch, delivered through a six-speed X-Trac sequential transmission. With a curb weight of around 1.1 metric tons, performance is obviously impressive: the manufacturer claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h. The chassis combines steel and carbon fiber, while the body is made entirely of carbon fiber. The aerodynamics have also been carefully engineered, with up to 500 kg of downforce reported at 280 km/h.
Formula 1-inspired cockpit
Opening the butterfly doors reveals an interior that bears little resemblance to that of a traditional supercar. The driver sits in a semi-reclined position inspired by single-seaters, with the pedals positioned almost at hip height. The steering wheel is also unique. Thanks to a Quick Release system, the owner can quickly swap out the road-going steering wheel for a more radical model designed for the track.
And it’s probably this combination that makes the scene we saw in Cannes so surprising. Amid the ordinary cars and the much more famous supercars, this Pambuffetti almost looks like a race car that’s escaped from a track.
Much rarer than a Ferrari
Cannes and the French Riviera are no strangers to exceptional cars. But with only 25 units announced worldwide, coming across a Pambuffetti PJ-01 is far less likely than stumbling upon a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. So if you’re passing through the Cannes area, keep your eyes peeled: one of the rarest Italian supercars of the moment is currently cruising the French Riviera.
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