1981 Aston Martin Lagonda

Lot detailsYear: 1981Make: Aston MartinModel: LagondaRegistration: VPC 941XChassis No: L00R13084Odometer: 41,500• Ordered new by Ibrahim Hassan Sharbatly• Recent mechanical works costing over £5,000There could scarcely be a more prestigious union of car names than Aston Martin and Lagonda. The former was founded in 1913 and became famous for its fast, nimble sportscars whilst the latter established itself in 1904 and built a reputation for large, powerful touring cars to rival Bentley and Sunbeam. It was David Brown that turned Aston Martin's focus to luxury grand tourers although after the low-volume Lagonda Rapide of 1961, it was not seen again until 1974 when a long-wheelbase, four-door version of the Aston Martin V8 was produced named the Aston Martin Lagonda. Only seven were made before a new Lagonda appeared, famously, or infamously, styled by William Towns known for his idiosyncratic wedge-shape design and was the most high-profile product from the Towns' canon. Critics either loved or hated the looks of the Aston Martin Lagonda but one thing was certain, there was nothing else like it. Under the vast bonnet lay Aston Martin's 5340cc, DOHC V8 costing a huge £49,933 in 1979 and highlighted by cathode ray dials and sensitive touch-controls.Presented in Santorini Black metallic, this example was completed in August 1981 and, according to factory documentation, supplied as a UK-specification car for personal export to influential Saudi banking billionaire Ibrahim Hassan Sharbatly. Originally finished in Scarborough Blue over beige upholstery, it was first registered XLX 331X. Around a year later, the Lagonda was acquired by Stephen Chitty of Surrey and re-registered VPC 941X. Initially registered to his business, one of three previous V5 registration documents records the car passing into Chitty's personal name on 1st November 1993. He retained it until October 2002, when it was sold to Albert Edwards of Cromer, Norfolk. The original service book records maintenance by H.W. Motors at 9,881, 15,874 and 25,707 miles, with A. Wright & Sons of Norwich subsequently servicing and MoT-testing the car. Acquired by its current custodian in 2019, the Lagonda was stripped to bare metal in 2020 and refinished in Santorini Black metallic. The leather was refurbished and new headlining, carpets and lambswool over-rugs fitted. Mechanical works included rebuilt carburettors and driveshafts, a reconditioned steering rack, new rear discs, pads and calipers, and a high-torque starter as well as a rebuilt rear differential and axle at a cost of over £5,000. This distinctive Lagonda is accompanied by its factory build sheet, original book pack, service records and supporting invoices. Marking a period of distinct bravery in Aston Martin's design department, these incredible Lagonda's have gained a cult like following. Consigned by Will Penrose