Avant-Garde Icon of British Automotive Design – the 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda
Avant-Garde Icon of British Automotive Design – the 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda
Few cars of their era embody the courage to pursue radical design and technological innovation as uncompromisingly as the Aston Martin Lagonda. When Aston Martin set out in the 1970s to develop an entirely new interpretation of the luxury sports saloon, the result, under the direction of designer William Towns, was a motor car that broke with virtually every convention of its class. Its extremely low-slung silhouette, sharply defined wedge shape and crisp, geometric lines gave the Lagonda an unmistakable presence that remains striking to this day.
The extravagant bodywork was by no means an end in itself. With the Lagonda, Aston Martin sought to demonstrate what a luxury saloon of the future might look and feel like. The interior was correspondingly advanced. Digital instrumentation and electronic controls were among the car’s most spectacular features, making the Lagonda a remarkably early exponent of the increasing digitalisation of the motor car. Under the long, low bonnet sat Aston Martin’s proven 5.3-litre V8. With a displacement of 5,338 cc and 280 bhp, the engine provided ample performance to propel the extravagant saloon with authority. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Lagonda thus combined the V8 performance for which Aston Martin was renowned with a high level of comfort and effortless long-distance touring ability.
The 1982 example offered here belongs to Series 2, one of the early versions of the Towns design and one that particularly embodies the uncompromising character of the original Lagonda. From this generation of the Lagonda through to the end of production in 1989, only 645 examples were built. The William Towns-designed luxury saloon is therefore one of the exceptionally rare production cars of its era. The Lagonda presented here is finished in the elegant exterior colour Old English Pewter, complemented by a beige leather interior. This restrained colour combination creates an appealing contrast with the futuristic styling of the bodywork. With an indicated odometer reading of 68,110 kilometres, the car is today in good, well-kept overall condition.
The Aston Martin’s history is equally noteworthy. Before the current owner acquired the car in 2010, it was owned by a French entrepreneur living in Switzerland who maintained a substantial car collection. The current owner was therefore able to acquire the Lagonda through an Aston Martin specialist from carefully selected previous ownership and has continued its story ever since. One of the most significant chapters in this example’s history is the comprehensive restoration carried out in England at an indicated mileage of 40,590 kilometres. The Lagonda underwent a complete frame-off restoration of the bodywork and interior. The work was recorded in restoration documentation, providing a traceable insight into the scope of the refurbishment.
Particularly pleasing is the preservation of the original vehicle documentation, including the Owner Handbook. Such contemporary documentation adds to the car’s history and further underlines its authentic character. Today, the Aston Martin is kept by Emil Frey Classics AG. According to the available information, the car is in good condition. The Lagonda has seen little use in recent years and has not been serviced, making a current service advisable. The next MFK inspection is also due. The documented restoration, long-standing ownership history and professional care provide a sound basis for the continued preservation and enjoyment of this exceptional British motor car.
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