Aston Martin Lagonda

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Aston Martin Lagonda was the name of several sedans that the British sports car manufacturer Aston Martin sold between autumn 1974 and summer 1989. As the Aston Martin Lagonda, three different series were offered in around 15 years, of which a total of almost 660 vehicles were built.

Sales of the last row ceased in mid-1996. The second series in particular caused a sensation: due to its pronounced wedge-shaped body design and the interior dominated by electronics, it was considered an “absolute sensation” when it was launched and at the same time polarized. The second Aston Martin Lagonda was considered the most advanced car of its time and ensured the company's survival in the 1980s.

Since 2009, Aston Martin has again offered a four-door sedan, the Aston Martin Rapide , which uses a classic Lagonda model designation, but is not explicitly referred to as Lagonda.

Aston Martin has been offering a four-door sedan under the Lagonda brand for the first time since 1989 with the Taraf since 2015 . The Taraf has a twelve-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 5.9 liters and has a base price of one million euros.

Model history

Lagonda

Last model with the brand name Lagonda: The Rapide

Lagonda was itself an independent, traditional sports car manufacturer, which was taken over by David Brown in 1947 - brand lovers speak of "annexed" - and integrated into Aston Martin , which also belongs to Brown . While Aston Martin was responsible for sports and racing cars, Lagonda covered the sports sedan market during this time. By 1964, three series with Aston Martin technology had been built, each of which was sold under the brand name Lagonda: the Lagonda 2.6 liter (1948–1953), the Lagonda 3.0 liter (1953–1958) and the Lagonda Rapide (1961–1953) 1964).

After no Lagonda models had been offered for ten years, Aston Martin reactivated the name for a four-door sedan that was to round off the Aston Martin range in the fall of 1974. Unlike before, these cars were initially no longer sold under the Lagonda brand; the name Lagonda was rather downgraded to a mere model name, so that the cars were now called Aston Martin Lagonda. With the introduction of the second series of the second version, the addition Aston Martin was dropped. With the Lagonda Taraf presented in 2014, Lagonda became an independent brand again.

Economic problems

The first Aston Martin Lagonda was technically a four-door version of the Aston Martin DBS . While the DBS and its successor, the almost identical Aston Martin V8 , developed successfully in the early 1970s, sales of the Lagonda sedan, which was only produced seven times until 1975, stalled. In 1974 Aston Martin, following the general development in the automotive industry, got into an economic crisis that led to the company's insolvency in early 1975. Various other manufacturers who served a comparable market niche followed a similar development: Jensen in Great Britain and Iso Rivolta in Italy were also dissolved, and Monteverdi in Switzerland also had considerable economic problems. Aston Martin did not make a single car in the first six months of 1975. It was only when a consortium of British businessmen took over the company in June 1975 and incorporated it into Aston Martin Lagonda (1975) Ltd. had transferred, production was resumed, initially on a modest scale. In total, only 21 cars were built that year, including two Aston Martin Lagonda.

The new company management continued the production of the V8 Saloon, but decided against the continuation of the Aston Martin Lagonda Series 1 derived from it, which was not regarded as sufficiently attractive. Instead, the management commissioned the development of a completely new sedan, which should be independent: "An eye-catcher" that demonstrates the capabilities of Aston Martin Lagonda (1975) Ltd. should prove. This resulted in the wedge-shaped new Aston Martin Lagonda, equipped with lots of electronics, which was produced in three series from 1976 to 1990. After some time, a third series followed, which was only manufactured to meet individual customer requirements.

nomenclature

The first series (1969 to 1976) is called the Aston Martin Lagonda Series 1 . For the three wedge-shaped versions of the second series (1978 to 1989) this count continues, so that the first version of the second series is called Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 , the second Series 3 and the third and final Series 4 . The name of the third series is inconsistent; the Aston Martin Virage Lagonda is also mentioned here from time to time.

First series: Aston Martin Lagonda Series 1 (1969–1976)

Aston Martin

Image does not exist
Lagonda
Production period: 1969-1976
Class : Upper class
Body versions : limousine
Engines: Petrol engine
5.3 liters
(209–221 kW)
Length: 4928 mm
Width: 1829 mm
Height: 1553 mm
Wheelbase : 2910 mm
Empty weight : 1996 kg
Previous model Lagonda Rapide
successor Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2
Basis for the first prototype of the Lagonda Series 1: Aston Martin DBS

The first vehicle to bear the name Aston Martin Lagonda was an extended four-door version of the DBS or its successor, the V8. The engine, the technology and the basic design corresponded to that of the DBS / V8 offered since 1969; however, the wheelbase was extended by 30.5 centimeters and the roof was significantly higher. The rear roof line was also new.

The concept

The design of the first Aston Martin Lagonda came from William Towns . Towns, a former Rootes designer, was commissioned to design a successor to the Aston Martin DB6 sports coupe in late 1966 . From the beginning, Towns also planned a four-door version, which he designed before the two-door version. He believed it was easier to shorten a four-door hatchback than to lengthen a two-door hatchback coupe. Regardless of this, the two-door was presented first. It appeared in 1967 under the name Aston Martin DBS and initially had the six-cylinder in-line engine designed by Tadek Marek , which was known from the previous models , before it was also available with a V8 engine from 1969.

prototype

Building on William Towns' two-pronged design concept, Aston Martin owner David Brown had a first copy of the four-door version built in 1969. The car had the internal development designation "EP230" and was publicly announced as the Lagonda DBS V8 . The car was equipped with the newly developed eight-cylinder engine. At the front he wore the double headlights of the DBS including his indicators borrowed from the Ford Cortina . The car initially remained a unique piece intended for David Brown's private use.

Series models

It was not until 1974 that the new Aston Martin management, which had replaced David Brown, decided in the interest of expanding the product range to start series production of the sedan without major changes. The first example of the production Lagonda was presented to the public in October 1974 at the London Motor Show. It differed from the five-year-old David Brown model only in a modified front section: The car now had the individual headlights familiar from the V8; the grille had been slightly redesigned and now had a horseshoe-shaped insert, which should be reminiscent of the radiator shape of the Lagonda Rapide. The technology of the vehicle largely corresponded to that of the V8. The well-known 5.3 liter eight-cylinder engine, which was coupled with an automatic transmission, served as the drive at the factory. At least two vehicles were subsequently significantly changed. They received a version of the eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 7.0 liters, which was developed by the Aston Martin tuner RS Williams Ltd. was manufactured and made between 450 and 480 hp.

The Aston Martin Lagonda received a design award when it was launched. The management then expected greater interest, especially from American customers, and hoped for commercial success. At its presentation, the Lagonda cost £ 14,040, £ 2,691 more than an Aston Martin V8 and nearly as much as a Rolls-Royce Corniche .

Ultimately, there was no economic success. The Lagonda was on sale for almost two years. During this time only seven vehicles were built; the last was produced in June 1976 under a new management that had taken over responsibility for Aston Martin at the end of 1975. From 1998 to 2007 a final Lagonda Series 1 (chassis number 12008) was created from the stored chassis and existing parts.

Contemporary press reports

After test drives with the first Aston Martin Lagonda, the motor press received cautious reviews. The handling, the driving comfort as well as the noise level of the engine and the body were criticized. Above all, however, the performance was criticized:

“ Overall, the performance is usable, but far from what you can expect from a car powered by a 5.4 liter engine. It's a car that, with a little more development, could well sell a few copies. Frankly, it is doubtful whether it is the car that Aston Martin can save. "

Current situation

All seven series copies as well as the David Brown model from 1969 still exist today. Most of them are in the UK. They are traded at much higher prices than the two-door V8 models. The last Lagonda, manufactured in 1976, was auctioned in the summer of 2008 for £ 254,000.

Competitors

Second series: Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 to 4 (1976–1989)

Aston Martin
Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 (1981)
Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 (1981)
Lagonda
Production period: 1976-1990
Class : Upper class
Body versions : limousine
Engines: Petrol engine
5.3 liters
(209–221 kW)
Length: 5300 mm
Width: 1815 mm
Height: 1300 mm
Wheelbase : 2915 mm
Empty weight : 2097 kg
Previous model Lagonda Rapide
successor Aston Martin Rapide

After the failure of the extended Aston Martin V8, the new Aston Martin management made a fresh attempt to establish a Lagonda vehicle. This model was created in three series, called the Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2, 3 and 4. The new Lagonda had the task of making it clear that the traditional British company was able to act regardless of past economic difficulties. It should cause a sensation, and a technical relationship to the Aston Martin V8 should not be recognizable from the outside.

The technical development of the new Lagonda was headed by Mike Loasby, while William Towns was again responsible for the design. The result of the development work was "a unique car": The Aston Martin Lagonda S2 stood out for its flat, wedge-shaped body in the so-called "folded paper" style , which was characterized by smooth surfaces and angles. At a height of just 1,300 mm, the Lagonda was the lowest four-door model of its time. The unusual exterior was complemented by elaborate electronics in the interior, which included digital displays in the dashboard and sensor buttons for function control. The first version of the software, developed in 1976 by the British Cranford Institute of Technology , was prone to defects and caused several total failures. It was replaced in 1978 by a system from Javelina Corporation . From 1984 a voice computer was added to the equipment: Various information and malfunctions were reported in four languages ​​(English, Arabic, French and German). Regardless of the significant initial problems that led to a multiplication of development costs, the Lagonda's digital instrumentation is considered a milestone.

The Lagonda Series 2 had a newly developed platform frame on which a steel frame was welded, which in turn supported the aluminum body panels. There was an automatic level control on the rear axle .

Like its predecessor, the Lagonda was powered by the 5.3 liter eight-cylinder engine that made its debut in the DBS V8 in 1970. Due to the limited space in the engine compartment, however, the factory had to make various changes, including the engine lubrication and air intake. The engine developed 280 bhp (206 kW; 280 PS), 220 kW (300 PS) and 223 kW (304 PS) in various stages. A three-speed automatic from Chrysler was used exclusively for power transmission .

The first prototype of the Lagonda was shown to selected journalists on October 12, 1976 - more than six months after the start of development work; Above all, the difficulties in software development delayed the start of series production until autumn 1978.

By 1990, a total of 645 copies were produced in three series (Series 2, 3 and 4). During this time, the Lagonda was one of the most expensive production vehicles in the world.

The factory and some independent manufacturers produced individual special versions of the Aston Martin Lagonda, including an extended version and two station wagons. A third station wagon is currently being built in Sweden.

Third series: Aston Martin Virage Lagonda

Nine built: four-door Lagonda version of the Aston Martin Virage

After the discontinuation of the second series, Aston Martin again offered a four-door sedan with the name Aston Martin Lagonda from autumn 1989. The factory returned to the concept of the first series from 1974: As then, the third Lagonda was only the extended version of a series coupé. The basis was the Aston Martin Virage , which was provided with an extended wheelbase, two additional doors and a notchback. One of the stylistic peculiarities of the Virage Lagonda was a rising roofline that was higher over the rear seats than over the front seats. This detail was widely criticized as inelegant. At 5050 mm, the four-door vehicle was a total of 280 mm longer than the Virage Saloon, and the weight increased by 250 kg. Optionally, a 450 mm longer version was also available; it was made in two copies. Either the standard 5.3-liter engine or a 6.3-liter sports version could be selected as the drive.

In the course of 1993, five vehicles were built at the special customer request, four of them in the 6.3-liter version. The model was only presented to the public after it was delivered. Aston Martin then produced four more copies by mid-1996. The Virage Lagondas were sold at £ 250,000 each; the company made £ 45,000 on each of them.

Also in 1993 a five-door version of the Virage Shooting Brake was presented, which was named "Les Vacances" (French for holidays). The vehicle cost £ 256,000. Seven copies were made by mid-1996.

Styling studies

With reference to the name Lagonda, several styling studies were carried out, which, however, regularly did not get beyond the planning stage.

  • On the occasion of the Geneva Motor Show in 1988, the Italian Carrozzeria Zagato presented the design for a two-door Lagonda coupé and a Lagonda convertible, which had an unusually shaped belt line. In both cases it remained with pure drawings; the vehicles were not realized.
  • In 1993 Aston Martin presented a retro-styled sedan called the Lagonda Vignale. The traditional Carrozzeria Vignale had nothing to do with the vehicle. The design actually came from Ford designers. The name is explained by the fact that the naming rights to Vignale, like the Aston Martin brand, belonged to Ford at that time . The eye-catching, extremely round vehicle was produced as a single copy. Series production did not materialize.
  • Aston Martin planned to revive the Lagonda brand for a luxury SUV and presented a styling study for this at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the finished series version should then be launched on the market in 2012. But that did not happen because the Aston Martin management had in the meantime rejected the plans.

Technical data Aston Martin Lagonda S2-S4

Technical data Aston Martin Lagonda (1987)
Aston Martin Lagonda
Engine:  8-cylinder V-engine (four-stroke), cylinder bank angle 90 °
Displacement:  5341 cc
Bore × stroke:  100 × 85 mm
Performance at 1 / min:  223 kW (304 PS) at 5000 rpm
Max. Torque at 1 / min:  434 Nm at 4000
Compression:  9.5: 1
Mixture preparation:  Electronic injection (Weber)
Valve control:  DOHC , chain drive
Cooling:  Water cooling
Transmission:  Three-speed automatic (Chrysler Torque-Flite)
rear-wheel drive
Front suspension:  double wishbones , coil springs
Rear suspension:  De-Dion axle , Watt linkage, trailing arm, coil springs
Brakes:  Internally ventilated disc brakes all around (diameter f / h 27.3 / 26.3 cm), servo
Steering:  Rack and pinion steering, servo-assisted
Body:  Light metal, on a platform frame
Track width front / rear:  1500/1500 mm
Wheelbase:  2915 mm, LWB: 3170 mm
Dimensions:  5285 × 1815 × 1300 mm, LWB: 5540 × 1815 × 1350 mm
Empty weight:  2095 kg, LWB: approx. 2200 kg
Top speed:  225 km / h
0-100 km / h:  8.8 s
Consumption (liters / 100 kilometers):  approx. 16-25 p
Price:  289,300 DM (1987)

literature

All models to Aston Martin and Lagonda

  • Giles Chapman: Aston Martin. Waits & all . Brand history in: Octane Classic & Performance Cars, issue October 2013, p. 86 ff.
  • Tim Cottingham, Peter Tomalin: Them's the Brakes. Aston Martin Shooting Brakes . In: Vantage. The Independent Aston Martin Magazine. Issue 5 (Spring 2014), p. 120 ff.
  • Robert Coucher: Four by four. Four Seater Aston Martins . In: Octane Classic & Performance Cars, April 2010 issue.
  • Andrew Noakes: Aston Martin fascination . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4 .
  • William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4
  • Rainer Schlegelmilch, Hartmut Lehbrinck, Jochen von Osterroth: Aston Martin . Verlag Könemann 2005. ISBN 3-8331-1058-9 .

To the Aston Martin Lagonda S1

  • Mark Dixon: Five smokin 'saloons . Presentation of the Aston Martin Lagonda (Series 1) and comparison with the BMW 3.0 Si, the Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas, the De Tomaso Deauville and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, in: Thoroughbred and Classic Cars, February issue 1996, p. 76 ff. (English). The model shown there is the David Brown prototype from 1969 (EM 230).
  • Nigel Bothman, Lyndon McNeil: Money no object. Aston Martin Lagonda vs. Bitter CD vs. De Tomaso Deauville vs. Iso Fidia vs. Maserati Quattroporte . Comparative test of Italian four-door cars in: Thoroughbred & Classic Cars issue 9/2008, p. 60 ff.

To the Aston Martin Lagonda S2-S4

  • Automobil Revue , catalog number 1987 (dates and prices).
  • Sujatha Menon: Super Cars, Classics of Their Time . Quintet Publishing (2004), ISBN 0-7607-6228-7
  • Andrew Noakes: Aston Martin fascination . Parragon Publishing (2006), ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4
  • Michael Schäfer: Captain Future : Presentation and development history of the Aston Martin Lagonda S2 (with several images of an S4) in: Oldtimer Markt, issue 12/2007, p. 42 ff.

To the Virage-Lagonda

  • Paul Hardiman: The Last Bulldog . Development history of the Aston Martin Virage in: Classic & Sports Car, April 2001 issue, p. 132 ff.

Web links

Commons : Aston Martin Lagonda  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c d e William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 58.
  2. ^ Giles Chapman: Aston Martin. Waits & all . Brand history in: Octane Classic & Performance Cars, October 2013 issue, p. 90
  3. ^ A b c Robert Coucher: Four by four. Four Seater Aston Martins . In: Octane Classic & Performance Cars, issue April 2010, p. 60 f.
  4. ↑ a b c d Rainer Schlegelmilch, Hartmut Lehbrinck, Jochen von Osterroth: Aston Martin . Verlag Könemann 2005. ISBN 3-8331-1058-9 , p. 202.
  5. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4 , p. 102.
  6. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 55.
  7. ↑ a b c Mark Dixon: Five smokin 'saloons. Presentation of the Aston Martin Lagonda (Series 1) and comparison with the BMW 3.0 Si, the Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas, the De Tomaso Deauville and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, in: Thoroughbred and Classic Cars, February issue 1996, p. 79.
  8. ↑ a b Michael Schäfer: Captain Future : Presentation and development history of the Aston Martin Lagonda in: Oldtimer Markt, issue 12/2007, p. 47.
  9. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4 , p. 103.
  10. ↑ See the overview of the model history on the website www.astonmartinlagonda.net (accessed on May 2, 2015).
  11. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 20.
  12. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 197.
  13. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 53.
  14. ↑ http://www.astonmartins.com/v8/v8_lagonda_series_1.htm
  15. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 54.
  16. ^ Auto Car, Issue 3/1975.
  17. ↑ Nigel Bothman, Lyndon McNeil: Money no object. Aston Martin Lagonda vs. Bitter CD vs. De Tomaso Deauville vs. Iso Fidia vs. Maserati Quattroporte . Comparative test of Italian four-door cars in: Thoroughbred & Classic Cars issue 9/2008, Thoroughbred & Classic Cars, 9/2008, p. 65 f.
  18. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4 , p. 106.
  19. ↑ Stefan Grundhoff: "A different kind of sight". www.sueddeutsche.de, May 17, 2010, accessed on May 2, 2015 .
  20. ↑ Michael Schäfer: Captain Future : Presentation and development history of the Aston Martin Lagonda in: Oldtimer Markt, issue 12/2007, p. 45.
  21. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 59.
  22. ↑ a b Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4 , p. 110.
  23. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 60.
  24. ↑ astonmartins.com: Aston Martin Lagonda prototype, 1976
  25. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 71.
  26. ↑ Description of the Lagonda S 4 on the website www.astonmartins.com (accessed December 7, 2015).
  27. ↑ The Bonhams auction house mentions the chassis no. In a catalog for an auction. 13643 for the third from last vehicle of the Series 4 built in 1990 and specifies the end of production in May 1990.
  28. ↑ www.studio434.co.uk (accessed December 7, 2015). This page specifically deals with the last series 4 vehicle built, chassis no. 13645, and states May 18, 1990 as the production date.
  29. ^ Paul Hardiman: The Last Bulldog. Development history of the Aston Martin Virage in: Classic & Sports Car, April 2001, p. 137.
  30. ↑ a b William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , pp. 161 f.
  31. ↑ Illustration of the Lagonda Vacances
  32. ↑ Rainer Schlegelmilch, Hartmut Lehbrinck, Jochen von Osterroth: Aston Martin . Verlag Könemann 2005. ISBN 3-8331-1058-9 , p. 216.
  33. ^ Tim Cottingham, Peter Tomalin: Them's the Brakes. Aston Martin Shooting Brakes . In: Vantage. The Independent Aston Martin Magazine. Issue 5 (Spring 2014), p. 124.
  34. ↑ Zagato's press release on the 1988 Geneva Motor Show
  35. ↑ Online article "Aston Martin Lagonda - The British Luxury SUV Vision for 2012 in Detail" by Auto-Motor-und-Sport from May 1, 2009
Aston Martin models timeline since 1948
Type / engine David Brown era 1947–1972 Various owners From 1986 to 75%, from 1993 to 100% part of Ford Independently
1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0
Microcar Cygnet
Luxury limousines Lagonda 2.6 L. Lagonda 3 L Lagonda Rapide Lagonda Fast
Taraf
Sports car R4 DB1
R6 DB2 DB2 / 4 DB4 DB5 DB6 DB7
DB2 Vantage DB4 Vantage DB5 Vantage DB6 Vantage
DB4 GT Zagato DBS Vantage
V8 DBS V8 V8 Virage V8
V8 Vantage V8 Vantage V8 Vantage Vantage
V8 Zagato
V12 V12 Vantage
DB7 Zagato V12 Zagato DBS GT Zagato
DB7 Vantage DB9 DB11
DB7 AR1 Virage
V12 Vanquish DBS Vanquish DBS Superleggera
One-77
SUV DBX
Prototypes and GT racing cars DB2 DBR1 DP212 DP214 RHAM / 1 DBR9 V8 Vantage GT2 / GTE Vantage GTE
DB3 DBR2 DP215 DBRS9 V12 Vantage GT3 Vantage GT3 / GT4
DBR3 V8 Vantage N24 / GT4
EMKA AMR1 LMP1 AMR-One
Formula 1 - racing cars DBR4 DBR5
  • Under the brand Lagonda sold
  • Underbody from the Jaguar XJS
  • Based on the Toyota iQ