Aston Martin paired up with Lagonda in 1947 – two small-batch makers occupying the luxury niche. After the merger, the Lagonda nameplate was usually cycled into the production mix when Aston Martin offered a sedan to buyers. This car is a member of the second series in a run that began in 1974 with a completely different design based on the Aston Martin V8 – in fact, that new Lagonda looked quite like a stretched, four-door V8. In 1976, William Towns restyled the Lagonda to the sharp-edged wedge shape you see above. Aside from its polarizing lines, the Lagonda was criticized for its fragile electronics: its digital dash, pushbutton switches, and liquid crystal display failed routinely. Sources say the development of the electronics cost four times what the rest of the car cost, perhaps contributing to the very late delivery of the first car which didn’t arrive in its new owner’s garage until 1979. This car, located in Independence, Oregon, has been stored in an airplane hangar for six years.
Despite long storage, the Lagonda runs though the seller says it needs fresh gas, a new fuel pump, and a battery. Its 5.3 liter DOHC V8 makes about 280 hp and is markedly torquey, producing 320 lb-ft at 3000 rpm. The transmission is a Chrysler three-speed automatic; putting the car through its paces will take you from zero to sixty in about 8.8 seconds. Top speed is about 140 mph. The seller notes that the electronics work – a minor miracle.
The angular instrument panel reminds me of many other 1970s cars, but the single-spoke steering wheel borrows from Citroën. This photo shows the touchpad switches; these are mounted on both sides of the steering wheel. Other than the driver’s seat, the leather upholstery is in reasonably good condition. Though the car’s exterior, particularly the greenhouse, gives the impression of a huge car, the interior dimensions are restrained.
Pop-up headlamps were another ’70s idiom found on everything from sports cars to this luxury machine. This view is a reminder that despite its “flat line” appearance, nearly every edge on the Lagonda is curved. Only 645 examples of the Lagonda were made – not many could afford the exorbitant sticker price of £50,000. These cars have a toehold now in the collector market, with prices generally rising. Nice examples can exceed $100k. This one is offered here on eBay, bid to $10,400 with reserve not met. What do you think of the Lagonda’s styling – thumbs up or thumbs down?
If I were interested in this,I’d see it in person.
I’d make sure that the claims of all the electronics
working are correct.
I read where there’s a guy who can repair that
complex electronic dash – in England.
Apparently there’s an expert in Vancouver that knows Lagondas inside out. Beautiful looking automobiles. And must be a joy to motor around.
Buying this Lagonda is as big a risk as buying one of the leftover Fisker Oceans.
Went to $11k, reserve not met. Just needs a fuel pump!!
Relisted with a opening bid of $100.
Love the look from the rear corner. The little mini grill up front is ridiculous.
The whole concept of the Lagonda can probably be qualified as ridiculous…
That is much of the reason they are SOOOO SPECIAL. These are probably one of the most alluring cars ever produced.
Love it or hate it, the styling of this generation of Lagonda is absolutely unique. At the prices Aston Martin was charging, it *needed* to be absolutely unique, even if it wasn’t absolutely beautiful.
It always struck me as looking like an early concept drawing for what would become the 1977 Caprice, come to life without all the compromises for space utilization and buildability expected of a big Chevy.
I remember this being the breaking news in the road test mags around 1978-80. Such a weird and wonderful looking car. We thought it was a total glimpse into the future.
Didn’t one of those AM-Lagonda articles have an illustration of $20 bills spiralling out from its exhaust pipes?
I’m w/CC, that’s the thing for those up there in this $ range. They struggle for something ‘special’ and often repeat (self & each other) or show a lill too far out there models. Porsche (not in this class to me) has done it right w/‘vacations ona theme’. AND they picked the right theme – long hood, ‘that’ fast back shape. That choice gets boring (like the 356 and 924/8). Chrysler w/the Crossfire, XKE, late 50s – early 70s Italian… /OR/ come up w/a new one (but nota ‘space ship’ like many similar I see today). I guess ‘it aint easy’ as I dont see many I like today (no wonder, its all truck, crossover or suv).
This car has been for sale for YEARS. Seller comes up with all sorts of weird stuff with oddball problems. I’ve been to his house.
Another Lagonda by the same seller was featured here on BF back in Feb. You can see the black one in the background.
https://barnfinds.com/airplane-hangar-find-1985-aston-martin-lagonda/