Lagonda Rapide

Lagonda Rapide
Overview
Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	1961–1964 55 produced
Body and chassis
Class	Luxury grand tourer (F)
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Aston Martin DB4
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L DOHC I6
Chronology
Successor	Aston Martin Lagonda

The Lagonda Rapide is a hand built four-door GT car which was produced from 1961 until 1964.

Description

Based on the Aston Martin DB4, it was David Brown's attempt to revive the Lagonda marque which he had purchased in 1948. It marked a revival of the Rapide model name which had been used by Lagonda during the 1930s. The car featured DB4 rear end styling and a horse collar Lagonda grille a little similar to Ford's Edsel, .

Specifications

1964 Lagonda Rapide

The Rapide used a 4.0 L straight-6 six cylinder double overhead camshaft engine, which would later be used in the Aston Martin DB5. Other new features included a de Dion tube rear suspension which would find its way into the Aston Martin DBS.

The car had dual circuit, servo-assisted disc brakes, and most cars were supplied with a 3-speed automatic B & W gearbox. The exterior body panels were constructed from aluminium alloy over a Superleggera tubular steel frame. The interior was upholstered in leather and had a burled walnut dashboard.

Production

The car was hand-built to order only, and cost new a base price of £4,950 (£89,595.50 in today's money - US$143,030.26). However, 55 vehicles were produced, of which about 48 are known today.

Shooting Brake

The Shooting Brake was a one-off 2005/2006 conversion by "the Carrosserie Company Ltd." of Barnard Castle, England.

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  Lagonda Rapide Shooting Brake (front)

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  Lagonda Rapide Shooting Brake (rear)

See also

• Aston Martin Rapide

References

• www.lagonda-rapide.com – Website about the Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide 1961 – 1964
• "Lagonda Rapide". AstonMartins.com. Retrieved 23 June 2005.