1989 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 4 Saloon

Registration no. to be advised Chassis no. SCFDL0157KTR13608

Footnotes

"It seemed more of a fantasy than a practical limousine, the sort of futuristic design that Lady Penelope would have been chauffeured around in." – Autocar.

Aston Martin's periodic revival of the Lagonda name saw it applied to a stretched, four-door AM V8 in the mid-1970s, a mere handful of these 'Series 1' cars being constructed. When the concept re-emerged as an entirely new product type, it was the sensation of the 1976 London Motor Show. Clothed in striking 'razor edge' bodywork designed by William Towns - the man responsible for the DBS - the new Lagonda saloon, designated 'Series 2' and popularly know as the 'Wedge', used the same long-wheelbase V8 chassis as its immediate predecessor while breaking new ground in terms of its digital LCD instrumentation and touch-button switch gear. However, problems with this advanced concept would delay production until April 1978, by which time a simplified arrangement had been adopted. The interior though, was every bit as luxurious as the exterior was futuristic, featuring selected Connolly hides, Wilton carpeting and walnut veneer, all hand-finished by skilled craftsmen in the best Aston Martin tradition.

In the Lagonda, Aston's well-proven 5.3-litre V8 employed a quartet of twin-choke Weber 42DCNF carburettors and produced a maximum of 280bhp at 5,000rpm with 320lb/ft of torque available lower down the range. A Chrysler Torqueflite automatic gearbox was the standard transmission. More than 17' long, 6' wide and weighing two tons, the Lagonda was an imposing sight from any angle yet despite its bulk proved capable of racing to 60mph in 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 145mph.

Production got into its stride towards the end of 1978, with one car per week being completed at the Newport Pagnell factory. In 1987, the Lagonda was face-lifted as the Series 4, acquiring a slightly softer, less hard-edged look and continued in production until May 1990, by which time a total of 638 had been built. Even today, over 40 years after its sensational debut, there are few cars that can match the visual presence of the Aston Martin Lagonda.

According to Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, 106 Lagonda Series 4 models were built, the right/left-hand drive split being 34/72. Chassis number '13608' was first owned by one C Meek Esq of Aylesbury and Tenerife, and at that time was registered 'G55 TBH'. It is possible that 'C Meek' was the late Chris Meek, racing driver, businessman and former owner of the Mallory Park racing circuit in Leicestershire, though this has not been confirmed.

By 1999 the Lagonda was in the ownership of Dewhurst Dent (CEO Robert Yentob) and had been reregistered as '6478 MM'. In March 2010 car was with Alan Baker of Aston Sales Kensington and in October 2011 was with Alec Slade of Excalibur Engineering. The Lagonda has been registered to the current vendor since 22nd October 2013.

There are restoration invoices on file totalling over £149,000 from renowned marque specialist Desmond Smail relating to chassis repairs, rust protection, etc and a bare-metal re-spray. Other works invoiced include an engine refreshment with new bearings, timing chain, etc and overhauls of the gearbox, brakes, suspension, etc. The exterior colour was changed from blue to black in the process of the restoration, which was carried out during 2012/2013. The car also comes with a comprehensive photographic record of the rebuild and is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate (it should be noted that the current private registration is being retained).