The Aston Martin Lagonda, produced in its best-known wedge-shaped form from 1976 through 1990, was one of the most ambitious, unconventional and technically adventurous luxury sedans ever built. Combining dramatic styling by William Towns, a hand-built V8 engine and pioneering electronic instrumentation, the Lagonda was intended to establish Aston Martin as a competitor to Rolls-Royce, Bentley and the world’s most exclusive luxury automobiles.
The Lagonda was extraordinary in both appearance and engineering. Its exceptionally low, angular body stood in sharp contrast to the upright luxury sedans of the 1970s, while its futuristic dashboard incorporated electronic displays and touch-sensitive controls years before such technology became common in production automobiles. The car’s combination of traditional British craftsmanship and experimental electronics made it one of the most distinctive luxury vehicles of its era.
Although the wedge-shaped Lagonda is the model most commonly associated with the name, its history includes an earlier 1974–76 four-door Lagonda based on the Aston Martin V8. The wedge-shaped successor was introduced in 1976, entered customer production in 1978 and evolved through several series before production ended in 1990.
Only approximately 645 wedge-shaped Lagondas were built, depending upon how prototypes and individual series are counted. Its rarity, striking design and unusual engineering have made it a fascinating collector car, although maintenance costs and the complexity of its electronics require careful consideration.
The Lagonda Name and Aston Martin’s History
The Lagonda name predates the wedge-shaped luxury sedan by more than seven decades. Founded by Wilbur Gunn in 1906, Lagonda became known for sporting and luxury automobiles, including successful competition cars during the 1920s and 1930s.
One of Lagonda’s greatest achievements came in 1935, when a Lagonda M45R won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company subsequently developed sophisticated six-cylinder and V12 luxury cars, establishing a reputation for engineering excellence and high-speed touring.
In 1947, industrialist David Brown acquired Lagonda, bringing it under the same ownership as Aston Martin. The two marques were gradually integrated, with Lagonda engineering and expertise contributing to Aston Martin’s postwar development.
The Lagonda name remained associated with exclusive four-door automobiles, including the Lagonda Rapide of 1961–64. By the early 1970s, Aston Martin sought to revive the name for an even more ambitious luxury sedan.
1975 Aston Martin Lagonda sedan, from an auction at Goodwood on April 10th, 2022
The 1974–76 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 1
The first modern Aston Martin Lagonda was introduced in 1974 as a four-door sedan derived from the Aston Martin V8. Designed by William Towns, it retained much of the two-door V8’s front-end styling but incorporated a longer wheelbase and a spacious four-door body.
Known retrospectively as the Series 1 Lagonda, the car used Aston Martin’s 5.3-liter V8 engine and conventional mechanical components shared with the contemporary V8 coupe.
The Series 1 was a relatively traditional luxury sedan compared with the radical wedge-shaped car that followed. Its styling reflected Aston Martin’s established design language, while the interior emphasized leather, wood and handcrafted luxury.
Only seven Series 1 Lagondas were built, making it one of the rarest production Aston Martins. Its limited production reflected the company’s financial difficulties during the mid-1970s and the decision to develop a more dramatic successor.
Aston Martin’s Financial Crisis
The wedge-shaped Lagonda was developed during one of the most difficult periods in Aston Martin’s history. The company had experienced repeated financial problems, and by the mid-1970s its future was uncertain.
Following the collapse of Aston Martin’s previous ownership structure, a new consortium acquired the business in 1975. The company needed a product capable of attracting international attention and wealthy buyers, particularly in export markets.
A conventional luxury sedan would have been difficult to sell against established competitors such as Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz. Aston Martin therefore chose a radically different approach, emphasizing futuristic styling, advanced technology and exclusivity.
The resulting Lagonda was intended not merely as a new model but as a statement that Aston Martin remained capable of creating extraordinary automobiles despite its financial difficulties.
The 1976 Wedge-Shaped Lagonda
The new Lagonda was unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1976, immediately becoming one of the most controversial and widely discussed automobiles of the decade.
Designed by William Towns, the car featured an exceptionally low, sharply angular body with a long hood, narrow windows and a dramatic wedge-shaped profile. Its proportions were unlike those of any conventional luxury sedan.
The Lagonda measured approximately 17 feet long but stood only about 51 inches high, giving it an unusually low and elongated appearance. The front incorporated a narrow grille and concealed headlights, while the rear featured a sharply truncated tail.
Its styling was intentionally futuristic, reflecting the design trends of the 1970s while anticipating the angular forms that would become increasingly common during the following decade.
William Towns and the Lagonda Design
William Towns had already established himself as an important Aston Martin designer through his work on the DBS, introduced in 1967. The Lagonda allowed him to pursue a much more radical design philosophy.
The car’s extremely low beltline, sharp creases and nearly flat body surfaces created a geometric appearance that stood apart from traditional British luxury cars. The long hood and short rear deck emphasized the front-engine layout, while the narrow greenhouse reinforced the wedge shape.
Towns’ design was not universally admired. Critics questioned its proportions, visibility and departure from established luxury-car styling conventions. Nevertheless, its dramatic appearance ensured that the Lagonda attracted attention wherever it appeared.
Today, the design is often regarded as one of the most distinctive expressions of 1970s automotive futurism.
1983 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 sedan, from an auction in Paris on January 29th, 2026
The Series 2 Lagonda: 1976–85
The Series 2 Lagonda was the original wedge-shaped production version. Although introduced in 1976, customer deliveries did not begin until 1978, largely because of the complexity of the car’s electronic systems and the challenges of bringing the design into production.
The Series 2 used a 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8, a three-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Its mechanical architecture was relatively conventional, but the body, interior and electronic systems were radically different from those of other Aston Martins.
Early Series 2 cars featured the most experimental dashboard arrangements, including electronic instruments and touch-sensitive controls. These systems became central to the Lagonda’s reputation for technological ambition and reliability problems. These models initially featured red LED numeric readouts and touch-sensitive membrane switches. Because the LED screens were nearly impossible to read in direct sunlight, Aston Martin replaced them with Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD) around 1980, followed briefly by Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors in Series 3.
The Series 2 remained in production through the mid-1980s, receiving numerous incremental improvements as Aston Martin attempted to make its complex systems more reliable.
The Aston Martin 5.3-Liter V8
The Lagonda used Aston Martin’s established 5,340cc V8 engine, developed under the direction of Tadek Marek and introduced in the late 1960s.
The engine featured an aluminum block and cylinder heads, dual overhead camshafts for each cylinder bank and four valves per cylinder. It was one of the most sophisticated production V8 engines of its era.
In the Lagonda, the V8 was tuned for smoothness and strong torque rather than maximum sporting performance. Early cars used four Weber carburetors, while later versions adopted fuel injection to meet emissions requirements and improve drivability.
Published horsepower figures vary according to market, year and rating method, but the engine generally produced approximately 280–300 horsepower in early carbureted form.
The V8 provided strong acceleration for a large luxury sedan, although the Lagonda’s substantial weight and automatic transmission emphasized effortless cruising rather than sports-car performance.
The Automatic Transmission
Unlike Aston Martin’s sporting coupes, the Lagonda was designed primarily as a luxury automobile and was equipped with a three-speed Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
The transmission was chosen for its durability, smooth operation and ability to handle the V8’s substantial torque. It also simplified the driving experience, making the Lagonda more suitable for urban use and chauffeur-driven operation.
The TorqueFlite is generally robust and comparatively straightforward to service. However, neglected fluid changes, worn seals and aging internal components can produce slipping, delayed engagement or harsh shifts.
A properly maintained Lagonda should accelerate smoothly, with the transmission shifting unobtrusively under normal driving conditions.
The Revolutionary Electronic Dashboard
The Lagonda’s most famous technical feature was its electronic dashboard, which replaced conventional analog instruments with digital displays and touch-sensitive controls.
The original system was extraordinarily ambitious for a production automobile introduced in the 1970s. It incorporated electronic speed and engine-speed displays, warning indicators and controls for numerous vehicle functions.
Early cars used sophisticated electronic display technology that proved difficult to manufacture and maintain reliably. The systems were expensive, complex and vulnerable to electrical faults.
Aston Martin reportedly invested substantial resources in developing the dashboard, and the electronics contributed significantly to delays in bringing the Lagonda into production.
Although the system became notorious for reliability problems, it also made the Lagonda a pioneer of the digital instrumentation and electronic controls that would become widespread decades later.
Touch-Sensitive Controls
The Lagonda’s dashboard incorporated touch-sensitive switches for functions that were normally controlled by mechanical buttons or levers.
These controls contributed to the car’s futuristic appearance and reinforced its image as a technologically advanced luxury automobile. However, they also introduced additional complexity because the switches depended upon electronic circuitry rather than simple mechanical contacts.
Age-related failures can affect lighting, ventilation, instrumentation and other functions. Repairing the systems requires specialized knowledge, and original replacement components can be difficult to obtain.
Some owners have installed modernized electronic systems or converted certain functions to more conventional controls. Such modifications may improve reliability but can affect originality and collector value.
1986 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 3 sedan, from an auction in Monterey on August 15th, 2013
The Series 3 Lagonda: 1986–87
The Series 3 Lagonda, introduced in 1986, represented a significant technical update rather than a complete redesign.
The most important change was the adoption of fuel injection, replacing the earlier carburetor system. This improved emissions compliance, starting and drivability while retaining the basic 5.3-liter V8 architecture.
The Series 3 also incorporated revised electronic instrumentation and other improvements intended to address the reliability problems associated with earlier cars.
Externally, the Series 3 remained very similar to the Series 2, retaining the original wedge-shaped body and distinctive front-end styling.
Because Series 3 production was relatively limited, these cars occupy an interesting position between the earliest, most experimental Lagondas and the substantially revised Series 4.
1988 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 4 Saloon, from an auction in Newport Pagnell on May 18th, 2013
The Series 4 Lagonda: 1987–90
The Series 4 Lagonda, introduced in 1987, received a major exterior redesign by William Towns. Although the basic body structure and mechanical architecture remained unchanged, the styling was substantially revised.
The most obvious changes were the removal of the original pop-up headlights and the adoption of fixed headlamp units. The front end was reshaped, while the body received smoother surfaces and revised bumpers.
The Series 4 also featured changes to the rear styling, wheels and interior equipment. These updates gave the car a more contemporary appearance while retaining its distinctive low, angular proportions.
The fuel-injected 5.3-liter V8 continued, paired with the three-speed automatic transmission. Production ended in 1990, bringing the wedge-shaped Lagonda era to a close.
The Lagonda’s Chassis and Suspension
The Lagonda used a steel platform chassis derived from Aston Martin’s established V8 architecture. The long wheelbase was intended to provide a spacious passenger compartment and stable high-speed touring characteristics.
The front suspension employed independent wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers. At the rear, the car used Aston Martin’s De Dion axle arrangement, which provided improved wheel control compared with a conventional live axle while retaining a relatively compact mechanical layout.
The De Dion system was particularly appropriate for a powerful luxury sedan because it helped maintain consistent rear-wheel geometry during suspension movement.
The Lagonda’s suspension was tuned primarily for comfort and stability rather than aggressive cornering. Its long wheelbase and substantial weight contributed to a smooth, composed ride on open roads.
Steering and Brakes
The Lagonda was equipped with power-assisted steering, essential for a large luxury sedan with a heavy front-mounted V8.
Steering response is relatively relaxed compared with Aston Martin’s sporting coupes, reflecting the car’s emphasis on comfortable high-speed touring. The long wheelbase and low seating position make the Lagonda feel substantial, particularly in confined spaces.
The braking system used four-wheel disc brakes, with specifications derived from Aston Martin’s contemporary V8 models. The brakes were designed to manage the car’s considerable weight and high-speed capability.
Because the Lagonda is heavy, brake condition is particularly important. Worn calipers, deteriorated hoses and neglected hydraulic components can significantly reduce stopping performance.
Interior Luxury and Craftsmanship
Despite its futuristic electronics, the Lagonda retained Aston Martin’s traditional emphasis on handcrafted luxury. The interior featured extensive leather upholstery, deep carpeting and carefully finished trim.
The four-door body provided accommodation for four adults, with individual rear seating and a relatively spacious passenger compartment. The long wheelbase allowed more rear legroom than Aston Martin’s sporting coupes, although the low roofline limited headroom.
Buyers could specify a wide range of interior colors and materials, reflecting the car’s bespoke character. Many Lagondas were built to individual customer requirements, making exact trim combinations and equipment specifications important to collectors.
The combination of traditional leather craftsmanship and experimental electronics created an unusual contrast that remains central to the Lagonda’s identity.
The Lagonda in the Middle East
The Lagonda found an important market among wealthy buyers in the Middle East, where its dramatic styling, exclusivity and advanced technology appealed to customers seeking something different from conventional European luxury sedans.
The car’s unusual appearance and high price made it particularly attractive as a statement of wealth and individuality. Some examples were ordered with highly personalized interiors and equipment.
Middle Eastern-market cars may have distinctive specifications, including air-conditioning systems, trim combinations and other features suited to local conditions.
For collectors, original market specification and ownership history can be important, particularly for cars with unusual factory options or documented connections to prominent owners.
Performance and Driving Character
The Lagonda was capable of impressive performance for a large luxury sedan of its era. Its 5.3-liter V8 produced strong torque, allowing the car to accelerate smoothly despite its substantial weight.
Contemporary performance figures vary, but the Lagonda was generally capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in approximately eight seconds, with a maximum speed approaching 140 mph depending upon specification.
The car’s greatest strength was high-speed cruising. The long wheelbase, powerful V8 and automatic transmission created a relaxed driving experience suited to long journeys.
The Lagonda was not intended to compete with lightweight sports cars. Its steering, suspension and transmission emphasized comfort and stability, while its low seating position and dramatic styling provided a uniquely exotic atmosphere.
The Lagonda Versus Rolls-Royce
The Lagonda was intended to compete with luxury sedans such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and later Silver Spirit, but it approached the market from a very different direction.
Rolls-Royce emphasized traditional luxury, refinement and understated prestige. The Lagonda offered dramatic styling, high performance and futuristic technology.
The Aston Martin was generally more sporting in character, with a powerful twin-cam V8 and a lower driving position. However, its experimental electronics and low-volume construction made it less predictable to maintain than the more established Rolls-Royce models.
For buyers seeking conventional luxury, the Rolls-Royce was the more practical choice. The Lagonda appealed to customers who valued individuality, advanced technology and visual drama.
The Lagonda Versus Contemporary Aston Martin V8 Models
The Lagonda shared its basic engine architecture and several mechanical components with Aston Martin’s contemporary V8 coupe and V8 Vantage models.
The two-door Aston Martins emphasized sporting performance, while the Lagonda prioritized luxury, passenger accommodation and technological innovation.
The Lagonda’s longer wheelbase, heavier body and automatic transmission made it less agile than the V8 coupe. Nevertheless, its engine retained much of the character associated with Aston Martin’s sporting models.
The mechanical similarities can simplify certain maintenance tasks because some engine and drivetrain components are shared. However, the Lagonda’s unique bodywork and electronics make it substantially more specialized overall.
Electronic Reliability and Restoration
The Lagonda’s electronics are its most notorious maintenance concern. Early digital dashboards and touch-sensitive controls were technologically ambitious but frequently unreliable.
Common problems include failed display modules, malfunctioning switches, deteriorated circuit boards, poor electrical connections and faults in control units.
Because many components were produced in small numbers, original replacements can be extremely difficult to obtain. Repair often requires specialist electronic restoration or carefully engineered modern substitutes.
The complexity of the systems means that seemingly minor electrical problems can require substantial diagnostic time. A prospective buyer should verify that every instrument, switch and electronic function operates correctly.
Cars with documented electronic refurbishment by recognized specialists are generally more desirable than examples with numerous unresolved faults.
Engine and Drivetrain Maintenance
The Aston Martin 5.3-liter V8 is fundamentally robust but requires careful maintenance. Its twin-cam cylinder heads, complex valvetrain and high-performance construction make rebuilding expensive.
Cooling-system condition is particularly important because the engine produces substantial heat and is installed in a relatively confined engine compartment. Overheating can cause serious damage.
Early carbureted cars require correct adjustment of their Weber carburetors, while later fuel-injected versions introduce additional electronic and fuel-system components.
The Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission is generally durable, but fluid leaks, worn seals and neglected servicing can create problems.
Because the Lagonda was built in very small numbers, owners benefit greatly from specialists familiar with Aston Martin’s V8 engines and the unique requirements of the Lagonda.
Body Corrosion and Structural Condition
The Lagonda’s steel body and chassis are vulnerable to corrosion, particularly in areas where moisture can accumulate. Common problem areas include rocker panels, floor sections, wheel arches, lower body panels and structural mounting points.
The car’s long body and complex panel shapes make restoration expensive. Replacement panels are scarce, and accurate repairs often require skilled fabrication.
Accident damage is another important concern. The Lagonda’s unusual proportions and low-volume construction make correct panel alignment and structural repair particularly challenging.
A thorough pre-purchase inspection should include the underside, suspension mounting points, door openings and evidence of previous body repairs.
Interior and Trim Restoration
The Lagonda’s interior is expensive to restore because of its extensive leather upholstery, specialized trim and unique electronic components.
Original seats, dashboard panels, switchgear and instruments can be difficult to replace. Even apparently minor missing components may require custom fabrication or sourcing from specialist suppliers.
The car’s bespoke nature means that trim specifications vary considerably. Correct colors, materials and equipment should be verified against available factory records.
For collector-quality examples, preservation of original interior materials can be particularly valuable because accurately reproducing the factory appearance is difficult and costly.
Understanding the Major Aston Martin Lagonda Variants
- Lagonda Series 1 (1974–76): Traditional four-door sedan based on the Aston Martin V8, designed by William Towns. Only seven examples built.
- Lagonda Series 2 (1976–85): Original wedge-shaped model with 5.3-liter carbureted V8, three-speed automatic transmission and pioneering electronic dashboard. Customer deliveries began in 1978.
- Lagonda Series 3 (1986–87): Updated wedge-shaped model with fuel-injected V8, revised electronics and improved drivability.
- Lagonda Series 4 (1987–90): Final version with redesigned front and rear styling, fixed headlights, fuel-injected V8 and updated interior equipment.
Production figures vary among sources depending upon whether prototypes and development cars are included, but approximately 645 wedge-shaped Lagondas were completed.
What Matters to Collectors
For any Lagonda, electronic condition, structural integrity and documented maintenance are the most important considerations. The car’s complex dashboard systems and specialized bodywork can make restoration extremely expensive.
Important Sales Reviewed by SCM Experts
In each month’s issue for the past 38 years, SCM’s analysts have reviewed 5 to 7 significant cars sold at auction, and discuss what options, history, or details made that particular more or less valuable. They give their expert opinion on the market for these cars, and whether this car was well bought or well sold. If you’re thinking of purchasing a Aston Martin Lagonda, you’ll likely find these profiles critical in helping you make the right decision. Each of the following is an article from our print magazine on a Aston Martin Lagonda sold at auction.
1985 Aston Martin Lagonda SaloonAston Martin’s periodic revival of the Lagonda name saw it applied to a stretched, 4-door V8 in the mid-1970s, a mere handful of which were constructed. When the concept re-emerged, it was the sensation of the 1976 London Motor Show. Clothed in striking “razor-edge” bodywork designed by William Towns — the man responsible for […]Read more
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Past Auction Sales – Aston Martin Lagonda
Average Aston Martin Lagonda Sale Price by Year from SCM’s Platinum Auction Database:
Aston Martin Lagonda Sales from SCM’s Platinum Auction Database:
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Jan 29, 2026
$38,379
Artcurial
Condition: 2-
Jan 27, 2026
$170,632
Bring a Trailer
Condition: 3+
Nov 8, 2024
$140,700
Bonhams
Condition: 2
Dec 16, 2022
$251,984
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Apr 10, 2022
$359,623
Bonhams
Condition: 3+
Mar 31, 2022
$82,980
Bonhams
Condition: 4
Jan 27, 2022
$61,600
Silverstone
Condition: 2-
Nov 13, 2021
$82,843
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Oct 25, 2021
$145,600
Bonhams
Condition: 3-
Jun 2, 2018
$38,262
Bonhams
Condition: 4
Jun 2, 2018
$20,662
Motostalgia
Condition: 3-
Oct 13, 2017
$78,750
Bonhams
Condition: 2
May 13, 2017
$117,133
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Mar 10, 2017
$41,250
Silverstone
Condition: 4+
Feb 24, 2017
$21,893
Artcurial
Condition: 2-
Feb 10, 2017
$57,014
Bonhams
Condition: 2
May 9, 2015
$152,501
Bonhams
Condition: 3+
May 9, 2015
$77,992
Auctions America
Condition: 2-
Mar 27, 2015
$60,500
Silverstone
Condition: 3
Sep 4, 2014
$154,840
Bonhams
Condition: 2
May 17, 2014
$134,304
Barrett-Jackson
Condition:
Sep 28, 2013
$29,150
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
May 18, 2013
$55,935
Artcurial
Condition:
Nov 11, 2012
$45,370
Bonhams
Condition: 1-
May 19, 2012
$533,864
Bonhams
Condition: 3-
May 19, 2012
$90,955
Artcurial
Condition: 3-
Feb 4, 2011
$56,267
Bonhams
Condition: 3-
Sep 17, 2010
$13,451
Bonhams
Condition: 1
May 22, 2010
$121,800
Bonhams
Condition: 1
May 22, 2010
$488,650
Bonhams
Condition: 2
May 22, 2010
$38,353
H&H Auctioneers
Condition: 4
Apr 21, 2010
$8,470
Gooding & Co.
Condition:
Jan 23, 2010
$56,100
Carlisle Auctions
Condition: 3-
Oct 1, 2009
$9,450
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Jul 3, 2009
$19,682
Bonhams
Condition: 3+
May 9, 2009
$36,467
Bonhams
Condition: 3+
May 17, 2008
$45,080
eBay
Condition: 5+
Dec 17, 2007
$5,500
Bonhams
Condition: 3-
May 12, 2007
$23,225
Bonhams
Condition: 1
May 13, 2006
$57,631
Bonhams
Condition: 3-
May 13, 2006
$43,495
Bonhams
Condition: 3-
May 6, 2006
$18,135
RM Auctions
Condition: 2-
Apr 7, 2006
$34,068
Bonhams
Condition: 1-
Jun 24, 2005
$47,875
Bonhams
Condition: 1-
Jun 4, 2005
$94,301
Bonhams
Condition: 2
May 10, 2003
$11,408
Bonhams
Condition: 1-
May 10, 2003
$39,560
Bonhams
Condition: 2+
May 11, 2002
$15,841
Bonhams & Brooks
Condition: 4+
May 12, 2001
$21,980
Bonhams & Brooks
Condition: 2-
May 12, 2001
$18,330
See all 51 sales of Aston Martin Lagonda cars from SCM’s Platinum auction database.
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