1988 Aston Martin Lagonda Saloon

62 Bids Winner - dannyd8
2:31 PM, 22 Aug 2022Vehicle sold
Sold for

$41,350

Winner - dannyd8

Background

Only 645 Lagondas were hand fabricated between 1974 and 1990, at a rate of about one every 10 days. Astons and Lagondas have always been very special things, but perhaps never as much as during the heyday of the historic factory at Newport Pagnell, from which this otherworldly wedge emerged 34 years ago.

The AM Lagonda was a car of wild contrasts; built painstakingly by hand using old world knowledge, tools, and methods that are now virtually extinct, yet engineered with cutting-edge features like touch-sensitive controls, computerized instrumentation, and a complex, all-alloy, quad-cam V8, it was a technical tour de force upon its 1974 debut.

This LHD 1988 Lagonda is a final Series 4 example, of which only 105 were made before production ceased in 1990. Incorporating many improvements including a simplified (yet still extraordinary) driver interface, Series 4 cars represent peak development of one of the most exotic and visually striking saloons ever designed.

  • SCFDL01S7KTL13574
  • 30362
  • 5.3L V8
  • auto
  • Black
  • Cream / Leather
  • Left-hand drive

Vehicle location
Gardena, CA, United States

Background

Only 645 Lagondas were hand fabricated between 1974 and 1990, at a rate of about one every 10 days. Astons and Lagondas have always been very special things, but perhaps never as much as during the heyday of the historic factory at Newport Pagnell, from which this otherworldly wedge emerged 34 years ago.

The AM Lagonda was a car of wild contrasts; built painstakingly by hand using old world knowledge, tools, and methods that are now virtually extinct, yet engineered with cutting-edge features like touch-sensitive controls, computerized instrumentation, and a complex, all-alloy, quad-cam V8, it was a technical tour de force upon its 1974 debut.

This LHD 1988 Lagonda is a final Series 4 example, of which only 105 were made before production ceased in 1990. Incorporating many improvements including a simplified (yet still extraordinary) driver interface, Series 4 cars represent peak development of one of the most exotic and visually striking saloons ever designed.

Overview

The result of more than 2,200 hours of hand labor, this Series 4 car wears freshened styling penned by famed designer William Towns, who was also responsible for the original Series 1.

Externally, changes included omission of earlier pop-up headlights for three fixed lamps per side, the rounding off of sharp edges, and uprating of standard wheel size from 15” to 16”. Detailed production breakdowns aren’t readily available, but it’s safe to assume only a fraction of AMLs were built to LHD spec.

Exterior

Dark colors emphasize these cars’ dramatic shapes, as demonstrated by this deep blue-black example.

Though very slightly tamed compared with S1 - S3 AMLs, this S4 is still a wild looking machine from any angle. It’s not just those stretched, wedge proportions and low, sports coupe-like roofline, it's also the way the wheel openings extend deep towards the shoulder line, with tire tops nearly flush to door handle bottoms. It’s a look highly reminiscent of 1970s Trans Am racers, and we struggle to think of another road car that pulls it off so convincingly.

Interior

The Series 4 AML interior was turned down as well, though again only slightly. Bathed in ghostly emerald light from the vacuum fluorescent instrument cluster, the driver faces a rectangular binnacle incorporating controls for ventilation, display, and a comprehensive trip computer, freeing the dashboard to home a lumberyard’s worth of rich, warm veneers that would otherwise be occupied with switchgear.

Piped Connolly leather, Wilton lambswool carpets, a suede headliner, and gleaming polished metal round out the opulent cabin, while rear seat passengers are treated to both ample legroom as well as a moonroof with sunshades.

Mechanical

Independently suspended by double wishbones in front and a de Dion rear, the AML strikes an excellent balance between comfortable ride and responsive handling, while the legendary Tadek Marek DOHC V8 up front sings a muted, cultured baritone.

Displacing 5.3 liters and good for 305 hp and 320 lb-ft, the big, elaborate eight looks suitably special under an enormous, forward-tilting hood, displaying sand cast ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA markings beneath a pair of sinuous intake manifolds. Power is moved rearwards via a smooth-shifting, near-bulletproof 3-speed Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

History

This car is offered without known history.

Summary

Among the most visually arresting and ambitious cars ever envisioned, the Aston Martin Lagonda is also extraordinarily rare. This Series 4 example represents the model’s evolutionary peak, offering many refinements and even LHD for the discerning North American or Continental European collector. Estimated $30,000 - $50,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

About this auction

Seller

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