• One of only 120 produced
• Delivered new to the Middle East
• Kept on static display
• Circa 121km on the odometer
• Requires re-commissioning

"This is a car that makes a Rolls-Royce Phantom or Bentley Mulsanne look positively mass-produced, and that will be the core of its appeal of the super-affluent who want exclusivity above anything else." – Autocar.

Aimed squarely at the Middle East market, the Taraf was developed by Aston Martin's Q division, which specialises in bespoke cars and customising existing models to customer specifications. The Taraf utilised the Aston Martin VH Generation 3 chassis platform, as found in the Aston Martin DB9 and Rapide, but with a lengthened wheelbase, while the body panels were made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. Almost all the additional wheelbase was taken up in providing extra legroom in the rear, which is where it was assumed the Taraf owner would spend most of his or her time. Borrowed from other Aston Martin models, mainly the Rapide, the ultra-luxurious interior featured console-mounted push-button transmission controls, an infotainment system, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1,000W audio system, and premium leather upholstery. Various trim options were available.

Powering the Taraf was Aston's familiar 6.0-litre 48-valve V12 engine, the latter producing 533bhp and driving the rear wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic Touchtronic III rear transaxle. Its makers claimed a 0–100km/h (0–62mph) time of 4.4 seconds for the Taraf and a maximum speed of 314km/h (195mph).

The Taraf was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show where its $1 million price tag occasioned as much comment as the car itself. Motor Trend's Angus MacKenzie remarked: "This $1 million sedan, hand-built by Aston Martin, costs more than five times as much as a Mercedes-Maybach S600. Yet it matters little to the people who will buy the Taraf..."

Production commenced in 2015, with Aston Martin stating that only 100 cars would be made. When Andy Palmer took over as the company's CEO, he decided to market the Taraf worldwide. The number of cars planned was increased to 200 but in the event only 120 had been delivered when production ceased towards the end of December 2016.

Appropriately enough, considering the model's original raison d'être, this Lagonda Taraf has formed part of an extensive private collection in the Middle East, where it has been kept on static display. Finished in Platinum White with Spicy Red leather interior and presented in excellent cosmetic condition, this ultra-rare and immensely desirable piece of motoring exotica may require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10%+VAT on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.