One of the more interesting automotive stories this year has been the resurrection of Lagonda, which is now an Aston Martin special project in its VIP program. That means it joins the likes of cars like the unreal CC-100 and One-77 super GT.
Originally we were told that Aston would only be making the all-new Lagonda available for the Middle Eastern market. Turns out that strategy has changed as Aston has decided to open it up a bit.
Geneva Motor Show #GIMSNow if you inhabit the U.K., other continental EU countries and South Africa, you can get your hands on one of the 200 limited series production autos. Other markets, well, you won't be as lucky.
Namely that would include the U.S. and China. This strikes me as strange simply because these two markets are arguably the strongest and flush with disposable to spend on luxury goods. Perhaps this too will change in due time.
**For MORE details about the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf, scope out the press release below!Geneva Motor Show #GIMS
Aston Martin's press release follows: Aston Martin expands Lagonda Taraf luxury saloon availability
Aston Martin is today announcing that the luxurious new Lagonda super saloon will be made available, in strictly limited numbers, to more customers around the world. Aston Martin will now accept orders for the Lagonda Taraf – the latest in a proud line of saloons revered worldwide as ‘the finest of fast cars’ – from prospective owners in more major markets. It is now available to clients in EU legislation-compliant Continental Europe, the United Kingdom and South Africa, with the Lagonda Taraf now re-engineered to be available in either left or right-hand drive.
CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “Opening up the Lagonda Taraf to an increased number of customers around the world was a high priority for me as soon as I joined Aston Martin late last year. I wanted to be able to offer this exceptional saloon to the potential owners from around the globe who have been enquiring about it, and I’m very happy that we have been able to expand the Lagonda proposition.”
Initially available only to buyers in the Middle East, where it was launched in Dubai late last year, the Lagonda Taraf is being built in a strictly limited small series of no more than 200 cars.
The return of Lagonda follows in the wake of other bespoke special projects by Aston Martin such as the creation of the extreme Aston Martin Vulcan supercar, Vantage GT3 special edition, One-77, V12 Zagato and the CC100 Speedster Concept.
Based on the brand’s almost infinitely flexible VH architecture, the saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.
The car is hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire, in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar.
The 6.0-litre V12-engined super saloon is being offered to clients through Aston Martin’s VIP sales programme with precise pricing details remaining confidential, and likely to be significantly different in each case due to very high levels of bespoke content. Naturally, each Lagonda customer will have the option of ensuring their car is truly unique by personalising it via the popular Q by Aston Martin bespoke service.
Dr Palmer said: “As a result of today’s announcement we anticipate very quick expressions of interest from customers around the world, many of whom will want to add Lagonda to their luxury and sports car collections.
“Aside from its confident style, many buyers will also recognise this Lagonda Taraf as a piece of automotive history, following in the tracks of its distinguished predecessor the William Towns Lagonda.”
He added: “I’m also particularly pleased that we have been able to engineer Lagonda for right-hand drive markets meaning, of course, that I’m sure we will see the car in use on Aston Martin’s ‘home ground’ of the UK in due course.”