For Sale at Auction: 2018 Aston Martin Lagonda in Carmel, California

Chassis No. SCFTMDCSXJGS56131

Since its founding in 1906, Lagonda has stood as a pillar of British craftsmanship and poise. After its acquisition by Aston Martin in 1947, however, the Lagonda name has come to denote the firm's most exclusive and meticulously crafted models on offer.

Four decades after the original Aston Martin Lagonda redefined presence and exclusivity for the sedan, Aston revealed its successor that would herald a new era for Lagonda. Debuting in Dubai in 2014, the Lagonda Taraf was conceived as Aston Martin's ultimate fusion of speed and opulence. On debut, the Lagonda Taraf's $1 million price confirmed its place at the very summit of the luxury sedan market.

The Taraf was designed by Marek Reichman, who had penned such brilliant contemporary designs as the One-77, Rapide, DBS, and Vulcan, and was developed by the bespoke Q by Aston Martin division. Its name, which translates from Arabic to "ultimate luxury," leaves no ambiguity. Sharing the same platform as the Rapide and DBS, the Taraf's wheelbase has been extended, and the roof has been subtly elevated to unlock more legroom and headroom for its passengers. Its cabin is cocooned in leather that extends to the headliner and even to the most minute details such as the seatbelt surrounds, with hand-embroidered leather contrast stitching throughout. The Taraf also comes standard with a trove of top-shelf luxury appointments: a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system with front speakers that retract into the depths of the dash when not in use, rear-mounted iPad Minis for backseat entertainment, and temperature-controlled bottle storage hidden between the rear seats that can accommodate the finest bottles-depending on passenger preference.

Aston's proven 6.0-liter V12 produces 540 horsepower, delivered through a ZF Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic transmission. A finely tuned suspension incorporating anti-roll bars, adaptive dampers, and double wishbones provides serene composure at speed. Aston Martin produced only 120 Lagonda Tarafs, which were strictly intended for the Middle East and a select few European countries.

For those discerning collectors desiring an Aston even more exclusive than the "standard" Lagonda, this 2018 Lagonda Taraf is one of just four Final Editions produced. Built from June 2018, the Taraf Final Edition was offered exclusively to distinguished Aston Martin VIPs. All four examples feature a unique color combination, highlighted by the Ultramarine Black exterior finish-a bluish-black hue that pays homage to an identical hue used on original, pre-Aston Lagonda models-further elevated by 10-spoke Silver diamond-turned wheels, Volcano Red side strake housing, Q fender badges, and a Solid Sterling Silver Lagonda Wings badge with red background. Its understated exterior encases an arresting two-tone cockpit, beginning with Aurora Blue upper trim that cascades down onto the steering wheel and dash, and transitions to Caspian Blue carpets with Dark Blue Lambswool floor mats. The lower trim, center console, and seats contrast this ocean of blue with a distinct Q White Essence upholstery, with the semi-aniline leather seats boasting "snowflake" perforated inserts, unique quilting throughout, and Lagonda Wings embroidery. Its interior is rounded out with red accent dials and Final Edition sill plaques.

Never offered in the United States, this example has remained under single private ownership since importation to the U.S. and has accumulated just 182 kilometers (113 miles) at the time of cataloging. It is furnished with its original delivery items including its umbrella stowed in the trunk, Bang & Olufsen headphones, iPad Minis, and three-piece "Lagonda" luggage set upholstered in Aurora Blue leather that matches the interior.

The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf is already a rare sight on U.S. roads, and this 2018 Lagonda Taraf Final Edition adds an extra dimension of exclusivity to Aston's most exquisite sedan. Further enhanced with collector-grade mileage and its unique deliverables, this example is primed to stand out even among the most curated stable of luxury cars.