Lot 300: 1979 Aston Martin Lagonda Saloon

Aston Martin�s periodic revival of the Lagonda name saw it applied to a stretched, four-door AM V8 in the mid 1970s, a mere handful of which was constructed. When the concept re-emerged, it was the sensation of the 1976 London Motor Show. Clothed in striking �razor edge� bodywork by William Towns, the new Lagonda saloon used the same long-wheelbase V8 chassis as its immediate predecessor, while breaking new ground in terms of electronic instrumentation and switchgear. Problems with the latter would delay production until April 1978, by which time a less radical design had been adopted. The interior though, was every bit as luxurious as the exterior was futuristic, featuring selected Connolly hides, Wilton carpeting and walnut veneer, all hand-finished by skilled craftsmen in the Aston Martin tradition. Production ceased in May 1990 after 645 cars had been built between chassis numbers �13001� and �13645�.
One of the very first cars completed, chassis number �13009� is an example of Towns' design in its purest, original form. First registered �BTM 781T�, it was owned originally by none other than William Towns himself and comes with Aston Martin Heritage Trust letter of confirmation, which speculates that Towns was given the car by the cash-strapped company in lieu of payment for his services! Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the car has been standing for the past ten years, but is reported as having been in working order when laid up. We are advised that the engine is complete and a runner, while the floor, sills, paintwork and interior (which is complete) are described as requiring attention. The vehicle is offered with Swansea V5 registration document.