When I say ‘Aston Martin’, what is your first thought?
See these days when I hear the name I think class, I think svelte, I think timeless. I think of Daniel Craig as one of the most serious Bond film characters in history. Cars that go against the trend of edginess and emphasis, instead treading paths of subtlety.
And I don't think it was always like that. Looking back past the DB7 and into the ’70s, as well as being subtle Aston Martins were also a wee bit macho. Not in a cartoonish Randy Savage kind of way, but in a Marlboro Man kind of way.
Cars like this exceptionally rare 1974 Series I Lagonda underline the point.
Yes, this is a Lagonda. And you guessed it, it's for sale.
The Series 1 Lagonda was easy enough to forget. Not because it was particularly underwhelming, but because the car that followed it was so extreme and bizarre — a technological and design wonder that polarized the automotive world. Only seven Series 1s were built, this being chassis 12003.
The opening Lagonda was based on the DBS (the replacement for the DB6). The pair thus share many elements, including the engine — a 5.3-litre V8. Though this particular example is fitted with ‘the X-Pack’ performance package that boosted output to almost 500hp.
“Chassis number '12003' is finished in Cumberland Grey with Rolls-Royce Wildberry hide upholstery and burr walnut veneers,” say Buckinghamshire's Aston Martin Works, who are behind the car's listing.
“Other noteworthy features include a Becker navigation system; up-rated audio system; CD 6-disc auto-changer; heated front seats; remote central locking; reading lights and seat belts to the rear; and a concealed Motorola GSM telephone, complete with handset to the rear centre armrest for the use of rear passengers.”
What's it worth? Well Aston Martin Works reckon that £175,000 ($312,000NZD) has been spent on the car since it was purchased and given a comprehensive mechanical overhaul in 2004.
No price is attached to the car, but it's fair to say that it is worth ‘lots’.
