1984 Aston Martin V-8 Lagonda Saloon

The Aston Martin V8 Lagonda was just one-inch shorter than the Mercedes-Benz 450SEl, yet it was over 5-inches lower. Power was from a DOHC V8 engine that displaced 326.3 cubic-inches and produced 280 horsepower. The futuristic and sensuous wedged shaped design was courtesy of designer William Towns. Chief Engineer Mike Loasby was credited with its electrically-selected three-speed automatic transmission, pop-up quad halogen headlamps, and the dashboard with digital read-out instruments.

The first car was delivered in 1979 with United States following in 1982. There were a total of 645 chassis built before the end of production in 1989.

This example is painted dark blue with tan hides with dark blue piping. It rides on new Continental radial tires on factory alloy wheels. There is a unique-to-Lagonda glass sunroof over the rear passenger compartment.

In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $20,000 - $30,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $33,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010