5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
Weber-Marelli Fuel Injection
289bhp at 5,000rpm
3-Speed TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Disc Brakes

*One of only 72 left-hand drive Series 4 Lagondas built
*12,325 original miles
*The future we were promised
*Cost more than a Ferrari Testarossa when new

THE ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA

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', used the same long-wheelbase V8 chassis as its immediate predecessor, while breaking new ground in terms of digital LCD instrumentation and touch-button switch gear. 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-liter V8 employed a quartet of twin-choke Weber 42DCNF carburetors 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. The Lagonda was face-lifted in 1987 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, almost 30 years after its sensational debut, there are few cars that can match the visual presence of the Aston Martin Lagonda.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, 106 Lagonda Series 4 models were built, the right/left-hand drive split being 34/72. From the final series of production and last year the model was imported to North America, this Lagonda was completed on February 27, 1989. Aston Martin factory records confirm the car was finished in Pennine Sand over Fawn hides with a Dark Brown dashboard and Beige carpets. The Lagonda—which costs more than a Ferrari Testarossa when new—was delivered new to Cole European in Burlingame, California on December 28, 1990. The luxurious Aston saloon spent the first 23 years of its existence in California and appears to have been part of the collection of Ted Magee for much or all that time. Obviously well cared for and minimally driven, the clean CARFAX report abets the originality of the 12,325 miles that light up on the dashboard when the key is turned.

Cosmetically it is among the finest Lagonda's out there. It shows beautifully both inside and out. Complete with its original owner's handbooks and accessory manuals, a clean CARFAX, and a few service receipts from 1993, this is truly one of the most time capsule Lagondas on the planet. On static display since being acquired by the seller in 2013, mechanical recommission is recommended before being used to experience the future we were promised.