The Aston Martin Lagonda

With Aston Martin facing financial pressure in the mid-1970s, they needed something to spur them on. It should have been a traditional 2+2 Grand Tourer, but the firm opted for a wedge-shaped four-door sedan. Thank God they did. Once introduced, hundreds of people signed up for one, giving the company a much needed boost.

Named after the Lagonda marque acquired by Aston Martin in 1947, a total of 645 cars were produced between 1974 and 1990. For its time, the hand-built Lagonda was among the most expensive luxury sedans built. It’s rumored to be the first production car with a digital instrument panel. The electronics are said to have come in at four times over budget.

Bloomturd Businessweek named it as one of the 50 ugliest cars of the last 50 years. Time magazine included the Aston Martin Lagonda in its “50 Worst Cars of All Time”. Shows what they know.

WATCHING:

The insane four-door Aston Martin happens to be one of Doug’s all-time favorite cars. It’s so weird and so rare, that it’s just cool.