The 1976 showing of the Lagonda saloon showed the world
a car that appeared to have originated from another planet.
The William Towns Lagonda V8 shocked the world with its
bold design and electronic instrumentation.
A truly stunning design, it was not released until some
three years later due to problems with its high-tech electronics.
It had an ambitious digital dash with touch-sensitive
controls, but in reliability terms, these concepts had
to be eased somewhat for production purposes.
The Lagonda was viewed essentially as a stretch version
of the Aston Martin V8 and housed a strong four-camshaft
5.3 litre V8 motor. It used the same suspension system
as well as self-levelling for the De Dion rear.
Weighing
almost 2 tons it was seen as the heaviest and openly luxurious
Lagonda since the war with air-conditioning and electric
seats being part of the price.
The critics praised its handling and ride, but criticised
its lack of rear legroom and the fact that it could have
been quicker off the mark. Aston countered these critics
with a twin-turbo version with Tickford releasing a stretch
version offering twin colour TV's.
The first Lagonda V8 was delivered on April 24, 1978.
It was not until 1984 however that the Lagonda V8
arrived for sale in the United States. Each car required
about 2,200 man-hours and only about 25 were built
per year for the U.S. market.
The Lagonda is a perfect
fusion of state-of-the-art high technology and the
traditional coachbuilding skills which have made Aston
Martin famous. The fuel injected 5.3 litre engine takes the Lagonda
up to speeds of almost 150 mph. Speed, engine revs,
fuel level and water temperature register on the now
famous vaccum fluorescent instrumentation.
Inside, the subtle aroma of
Connolly hide is complemented by
the polished walnut cappings and soft Wilton carpeting.
The Lagonda - a true supercar reflecting a distinguished
heritage. The car stopped being produced in 1990 with just 645 being
sold. There was rumoured to be a replacement, but new
owners Ford decided that Aston should stick to what they
know best - building Aston Martin's.
