1988 Aston Martin Lagonda Series IV Saloon

1988 Aston Martin Lagonda Series IV Saloon
VIN. SCFDL01S2JTL13545
Engine no. V/585/3545/LFA
5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
Weber-Marelli Fuel Injection
305bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Disc Brakes

*One of only 72 left-hand drive Series 4 Lagondas built
*In the present ownership since 2014
*16,666 original miles
*Cost more than a Ferrari Testarossa when new

THE ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA

Aston Martin's periodic revival of the Lagonda name saw it applied to a stretched, four-door AM V8 in the mid-1970s, a mere handful of these 'Series 1' cars being constructed. When the concept re-emerged as an entirely new product type, it was the sensation of the 1976 London Motor Show. Clothed in striking 'razor edge' bodywork designed by William Towns - the man responsible for the DBS - the new Lagonda saloon, designated 'Series 2', used the same long-wheelbase V8 chassis as its immediate predecessor, while breaking new ground in terms of digital LCD instrumentation and touch-button switch gear. Problems with this advanced concept would delay production until April 1978, by which time a simplified arrangement had been adopted. The interior though, was every bit as luxurious as the exterior was futuristic, featuring selected Connolly hides, Wilton carpeting and walnut veneer, all hand-finished by skilled craftsmen in the best Aston Martin tradition.

In the Lagonda, Aston's well-proven 5.3-liter V8 employed a quartet of twin-choke Weber 42DCNF carburetors and produced a maximum of 280bhp at 5,000rpm with 320lb/ft of torque available lower down the range. A Chrysler Torqueflite automatic gearbox was the standard transmission. More than 17' long, 6' wide and weighing two tons, the Lagonda was an imposing sight from any angle, yet despite its bulk proved capable of racing to 60mph in 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 145mph.

Production got into its stride towards the end of 1978, with one car per week being completed at the Newport Pagnell factory. The Lagonda was face-lifted in 1987 as the Series 4, acquiring a slightly softer, less hard-edged look and continued in production until May 1990 by which time a total of 638 had been built. Even today, almost 30 years after its sensational debut, there are few cars that can match the visual presence of the Aston Martin Lagonda.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, 106 Lagonda Series 4 models were built, the right/left-hand drive split being 34/72. From the final series of production and antepenultimate year the model was imported to North America, this Lagonda was completed in January of 1988. Aston Martin factory records confirm the car was finished in Pennine Sand over Magnolia hides and Dark Brown piping and Beige carpets. The Lagonda—which cost more than a Ferrari Testarossa when new—was delivered new through Palm Beach Motorcars to G.N.D. Investments Inc in tony Naples, Florida on March 16, 1988. The luxurious Aston saloon remained in Florida for 13 years before heading north to Minneapolis, Minnesota to Richard Harrison's garage five years. Acquired by Robert Williams of Birmingham, Alabama in 2006, the current owner purchased the car in January 2011.

Cosmetically the Lagonda shows well overall. While the digital dash lights up showing 16,666 original miles (as confirmed by the CARFAX report) with all the bells and whistles, few miles have been added to the Lagonda since it's purchase a dozen years ago so mechanical recommission is recommended. This luxo-cruiser from the future we were promised is complete with a clean CARFAX, a binder of receipts and records from past owners, copies of build records from Aston Martin, and the digital dashboard of your dreams (or nightmares).