Lot 322: 1984 Aston Martin Lagonda Saloon

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 which was constructed. When the concept re-emerged, it was the sensation of the 1976 London Motor Show. Clothed in striking �razor edge� bodywork by William Towns, the new Lagonda saloon used the same long-wheelbase V8 chassis as its immediate predecessor, while breaking new ground in terms of electronic instrumentation and switchgear. Problems with the latter would delay production until April 1978, by which time a less radical design 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 Aston Martin tradition. Production ceased in May 1990 after 645 cars had been built between chassis numbers �13001� and �13645�.
Chassis number �13196�s factory production ledger records that it was built by AML�s Engineering Department and first registered �B892 URO� on 1st August 1984. The car was equipped with the standard Weber carburettors and automatic transmission, and finished in Tourmaline Blue with blue-piped magnolia hide interior. While in use by AML�s Engineering Department as a development vehicle, it was fitted with the Weber fuel injection and vacuum fluorescent instrumentation that would later be standardised on the Series 3 version.
Sold by the factory, the car was subsequently re-registered �B774 WNG� and while in the ownership of one J R Brocklehurst attended the Lagonda Club Display at Brooklands in 1999 and the V8 Millennium Display at the St John Horsfall, Silverstone meeting in 2000, as recorded in the AMOC Register. The Lagonda was bought by the current owner six years ago and since then has formed part of a distinguished stable of motor cars, being cosmetically and mechanically improved while in his care. Well maintained and smartly presented, it is offered with current MoT certificate and Swansea V5 registration document. It should be noted that the registration �AML 77� is being retained by the vendor but may be available to the new owner if required via private treaty negotiation.