Motor City 2016
1985 Aston Martin Lagonda Series III
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$85,000 - $125,000 USD | Not Sold
| Plymouth, Michigan
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- The 1986 New York Auto Show car
- An extremely early production, U.S.-delivery Series III model
- A classic of modern design and advanced engineering
263 bhp, 325.9 cu. in. DOHC V-8 engine, three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, upper/lower control arm front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar, De Dion rear axle with Watt linkage, trailing arms, and coil springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 114.8 in.
Aston Martin brought the grand old name of Lagonda back to the market in 1976 with a car that was true to the marque’s heritage of luxurious, advanced high-speed grand touring. The new Lagonda was styled by William Towns with his typical audaciousness, including crisp, linear “flying wedge” styling that resembled Japanese origami, hidden headlights, and an exceptionally narrow radiator shell, all hinting at the power of the twin-cam V-8 and advanced chassis beneath. At the time of its introduction, it was rated at 140 mph, making it one of the fastest four-door sedans on the market. The interior was truly a luxurious place to be, with four-passenger seating, all on bucket seats, and all of the latest comfort technology. In particular, the Lagonda was noted for its early use of fully digital instrumentation, including touch-screen dashboard controls.
The Lagonda achieved full production in 1978 and was produced for 14 years, until 1992. During that period, 645 were built, and they have come to be regarded as the most collectible and state-of-the-art sedan of the time period, as well as a classic of modern automotive styling.
The car offered here is an exceptionally early Series III model, built on New Year’s Eve 1985, and a dashboard plaque identifies it as having been the car which was displayed on the Aston Martin stand at the New York Auto Show in January 1986. Thereafter, it was sold to J. Schnepf of Newport Beach, California, who took delivery on 16 February 1987. After only limited mileage was accrued in Mr. Schnepf’s ownership, the car was sold to a new owner in the Netherlands and eventually made its way back to the United States as part of its present owner’s collection. Both the paint and interior are in very good condition, and the appearance of the chassis and engine bay reflect cleanliness and good care.
One of the most significant Lagondas, this original U.S.-delivery example would be an excellent addition to any Aston Martin collection, representing one of the most advanced and modern sedans to come out of England in the 1980s.
