After a long spell in the wilderness, good Lagondas are on the up. Few cars turn heads as effectively as the William Towns-styled saloon – perhaps it’s the whiff of Thunderbirds. 

Positioned to compete with Rolls-Royce, Newport Pagnell’s car is lower, sportier and considerably faster. All this means you can really enjoy driving a Lagonda, as opposed to wafting along on autopilot. 

First unveiled in 1976, the Lagonda’s appearance came as a surprise – its four-door predecessor was rather more traditional. Not only was the razor-edged styling a leap into uncharted territory for Aston Martin but the dash was a fully digital affair, featuring an array of LEDs. If nothing else it was a taste of the future that never really came to fruition. Sadly, the dash proved so troublesome in development, regular production was put back by almost two years. 

Between the delivery of the first Lagonda to the Marquis of Tavistock in April 1978 (who bought it for his wife) and its death in 1989, Aston Martin constantly developed the car, ironing out the bugs as it went along. However, one thing that remained constant was that there was nothing else like it on the road. And that remains true to this day.

Early ones are getting rare because of rust. It’s possible to find rough ones for under £10,000. For that kind of outlay, just hope it’s been cared for. 

In reality you’ll need to spend more for Lagonda nirvana. ‘Cheap ones are a can of worms, and it’s easy to rack up a £10,000 repair bill simply to get one usable again,’ said Aston Martin Works Service’s general manager Arthur Sinclair (pictured above). 

Realistically, you need to spend over £20,000 for peace of mind. Really nice ones go for more. 

‘In the past three years, Lagonda values have picked up. We’re  getting more in for restorations these days,’ he added.

Aston Martin Lagondas are expensive cars. Even cheap ones are expensive – they cost a fortune to put right so, if it’s a Towns car you want, make sure you pay top money for the best example.

It’s no surprise to learn that these cars suffer from electrical weaknesses. Arthur Sinclair is quick to identify the dashboard and electrical ancillaries as being the Lagonda’s Achilles’ Heel. ‘The dashboard in its LCD and CRT forms is prone to faults. And not just the instrument pack, but the senders, vacuum pipes; anywhere in the system.’

Aston Martin Works Service offers a modern LCD solution to the CRT screen problem in the Series 3 cars, and has all the expertise to keep LED systems in working order, but fault-finding is a time-consuming and costly process. Check also the complex pop-up headlamp mechanism as it is liable to fail, as are the electrically operated boot, fuel and bonnet releases. 

The aluminium bodywork and steel under-pinnings can be an issue – rot can be extensive on poorly maintained examples and, due to the complex structure, costs significant money to rectify. ‘Bad cars have disappeared or have been restored by loving owners,’ Sinclair added. ‘Inside, the wood and leather can age – and is expensive to put right; and a full re-trim can cost significantly more than the car’s actually worth.’

A tired engine will be simple to spot. The oil pressure will be low and the tappets noisy; either of these symptoms denote worn camshafts. If the engine block drains have oil or water coming out of them, that means the cylinder liners have moved, and you’re looking at a £10,000 rebuild. 

Kingpins can wear and it’s an expensive job to replace them, so some owners don’t bother. Lack of maintenance can lead to the suspension collapsing, so look carefully for any signs of this.

There’s a lot to like about the Lagonda – both in the way it looks and how it drives. 

A well-sorted example drives like a sports car and has a great soundtrack. However, it’s cramped in the rear, drinks alarmingly, and reliability isn’t a strong point on cheaper cars.

Buying a bad one will turn you into a pauper; you’ll certainly feel the after effects of an owner who’s skimped on the upkeep.

Objectively, the best are the Series 4s, as they’re the most reliable, rot the least and are the sharpest to drive. The styling has been watered down but the performance, ride and  sheer sense of occasion remain in place.

Choose one that’s been fastidiously maintained by an Aston Martin specialist, and enjoy one of the finest 1980s wedges that money can buy.