Vehicle Description
Aston Martin shocked the world in 1976 when they unveiled the
sensational Lagonda Saloon at the London Motor Show. The
spectacularly futuristic, Avant Garde styling was penned (with a
straightedge, we imagine) by the great designer William Towns. The
chassis was unique to the new car, utilizing the existing Tadek
Marek-designed 5.3 liter V8 engine, which was backed by a
Chrysler-sourced Torque-Flite automatic transmission. Looking back
at other luxury saloons of 1976, it is particularly amazing that
Aston took such a gamble with the styling, and even more so that it
paid off. Not only did Aston Martin push the envelope in terms of
style, they also pushed the boundaries of technology with a highly
ambitious LED instrument panel with gas-plasma touch screen
controls. The system seemed straight out of science fiction, and
despite being beautiful to look at, proved to be horrifically
unreliable. By 1980, Aston abandoned the troublesome touch screen
controls, but retained the LED gauges. The price had doubled to
nearly 50,000 GBP, yet it still sold well enough to keep the
company afloat. Production trickled on, sometimes just few cars per
year leaving the Newport Pagnell works. In 1985, a revised version
was introduced, effectively known as the series 3. The incredible
dash now featured Cathode Ray Tube instruments that projected
information to the driver like miniaturized television screens. It
was moderately more reliable than the LED system, yet still
visually appealing. On the mechanical side, the proven V8 put out
305 horsepower and 288 ft. lbs of torque, enough to propel the big
Aston to 150 mph, square into supercar territory. Production and
refinements continued, until production ceased at the end of 1990.
Aston Martin built a total of just 645 Lagondas between 1978 and
1990, and very few examples remain. This 1985 Lagonda saloon has
covered just 46,599 miles from new and has been maintained to a
standard far and above what is typical for these cars. This example
was specially ordered in Jaguar Cranberry metallic over light gray
hides and Wilton wool carpets, with a red dash, red wheel and red
Mouton overmats. A copy of the original invoice shows the car cost
a staggering $150,000 in 1985! It has been exceptionally well
cared-for and today, the body presents in very good condition, with
well-preserved original paint over straight panels that exhibit
good fit and consistent gaps. A few minor stone chips can be found,
though nothing beyond what should be expected from a cherished
example with this mileage. Exterior trim is in excellent condition,
with the black plastic bumpers and aprons in very good order as
well. It rides on its correct BBS-supplied disc alloy wheels
wearing correct profile Michelin MXV tires. It is a very attractive
example that has clearly been cherished from new, benefiting from
an astounding $70,000 in service and repairs since 2013. Inside,
the Connolly hides are in excellent order, with a very good leather
dash and console, free of shrinking and cracks. The headlining
remains in good condition with just some minor wear visible on the
A-pillar trims. Fresh mouton overmats have been recently fitted and
the carpets present in good condition. Critically, the dash was
recently fully disassembled and the cathode ray tube screens for
the instruments were sent to a specialist in the U.K. for a
comprehensive refurbishment. The wood trim is in good condition,
exhibiting a few cracks in the lacquer but otherwise intact and
attractive. Original books as well as the briefcase style tool kit
are in place. Mechanically, the big Lagonda is in excellent
condition. The engine bay is clean and orderly, showing signs of
regular care and use. The meticulous servicing it has received in
the hands of the last owner shines through in a car that runs
strongly and performs as one would expect from a brutish 80's Aston
Martin. The undercarriage is tidy with original finishes and what
appears to be factory undercoat and an excellent exhaust system.
This is a very well maintained Lagonda that has benefited from
specialized care, with common problem areas sorted to ensure the
next keeper enjoys the car to the fullest. Wearing attractive
colors, with sound cosmetics and functional signature features,
this is an unmistakable 80's supercar that is likely one of the
best examples of its type available.