Thursday, June 24, 2010
It was also a Hail Mary attempt to save Aston Martin, the company, from going out of business. At the time of the Lagonda's press introduction in the fall of 1975, the British automaker was on the verge of financial collapse. The four-door Lagonda, it was hoped, would provide the company entree into the ultra-premium luxury sedan market - where it could perhaps lure away some Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Maserati buyers in the mood for something different - as well as infuse some much-needed operating capital to keep the company afloat.
The strategy worked, brilliantly. Even before production began, Aston received hundreds of cash deposits for the car. The Lagonda thus saved the company - and set the stage for the pending launch, some 30 years later, of its heir: the 2010 Rapide.
This new super sedan will share general styling themes with the current DB9 coupe - including a similar front-end treatment centered on the classic "Aston" semi-oval grille, with twin hood power ducts and side fender vents - as well as the DB9's hammerhead 5.9 liter V-12 engine, producing an anticipated 500-plus horsepower.
If James Bond ever decides on a wife and kids, the Rapide would be the ideal "family friendly" Aston!
The strategy worked, brilliantly. Even before production began, Aston received hundreds of cash deposits for the car. The Lagonda thus saved the company - and set the stage for the pending launch, some 30 years later, of its heir: the 2010 Rapide.
This new super sedan will share general styling themes with the current DB9 coupe - including a similar front-end treatment centered on the classic "Aston" semi-oval grille, with twin hood power ducts and side fender vents - as well as the DB9's hammerhead 5.9 liter V-12 engine, producing an anticipated 500-plus horsepower.
If James Bond ever decides on a wife and kids, the Rapide would be the ideal "family friendly" Aston!