1963 Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide

Highlights

Limited quantity built, this being number 42 of only 55
Matching numbers
Extensively restored circa 2000
Long-term single-family ownership since 1966
Lagonda Rapide launched at the London Car Show in Earls Court

The Appeal

David Brown was undoubtedly the source of Aston Martin's glory - the man who brought the company to the forefront of class, comfort and sheer style. Of course, though, all of that luxury was expensive. Despite being in the super-high-end market, and priced accordingly, the company looking to expand in to the luxury 4 door touring cars and compete with other prestige British marques.

Built almost entirely on the back of Brown's affection for the Lagonda Marque, it was intended to be a sporting saloon that was as drivable as it was comfortable - and to permit plenty of luggage space. This car stretched to an impressive sixteen feet in length, substantially larger than the DB4 it shared platform with.

Sold at a time when the factory was already struggling to stay on top of orders, the princely hand-built vehicle was never able to be built to keep up with demand. In the end, only fifty-five were built, with less than fifty known to still exist - quite a remarkable survival rate. Because of the sheer rarity of the car, very few are likely to see one, let alone own one.

As a result, we're very excited to present Chassis No.42, which has been cherished by the same family since 1966. Extensively restored at the turn of the millennium, this very impressive saloon has been maintained and doted upon by a professional engineer, and has covered very little mileage since 2000.

This is a true unicorn, and we'd advise you to take advantage of the opportunity!

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1963
In first ownership from 1963 to 1966
Purchased by Mr. Clegg in 1966
Extensively restored circa 2000 with a bare metal respray, new carpets, Interior refreshed with the leather connollised, and transmission overhauled
In Mr. Clegg's ownership until his passing in 2022
His son, and the current keeper, took ownership as executor for the estate in 2022
The car is coming out from long-term storage and has covered very few miles in the past twenty four years
The vehicle is still carrying its original registration
Historic vehicle status
MOT exempt, last tested in 2017
No failed MOTs from 2006 onwards
Currently indicates 64,538 miles on a five-figure odometer, which is likely to be genuine
Extensive paperwork file including:
- Lagonda Maintenance Instruction Book with multiple notes within
- Original licencing paperwork
- 1966 garage stock list, which includes the car
- 1966 purchase invoice
- Aston Martin verification letter
- Photographic record of the restoration

The Condition

Beautifully presented in Highland Granite, subject to bare metal respray in 2000
Cleaning and polishing marks as expected over time
Two very small marks only visible from certain angles and not appearing in photos
Side indicators installed in front wing air vent alloy trim and rear fog light
Tyres have been upgraded from Crossply to Radial, necessitating small alteration to the inner front wings to prevent contact when turning on full lock
Solid underside with no substantial corrosion to note

This large 4 door tourer with Superleggera styling by Carrozzeria Touring and boasting distinctly Aston Martin DB features, this is a hugely charismatic car. The example we're looking at boasts a very pleasant Highland Granite livery, which was subject to a respray during a the 2000 restoration. Since then, it's done remarkably little mileage and has largely been cosseted in a dry, clean garage - with the occasional outing to car shows making up most of its recent years.

The result is a car in superb fettle, with very little area of concern. While it's garnered some polishing marks and some very light signs of use, it's a truly beautiful example - and considering how scarce they really are, it's not too much of a push to suspect it's one of the finest, most solid examples out there.

Interior refreshed with the leather connolised, retaining the characteristic usage creases in seat bases but still in very good order
Walnut dash layout has some small changes to relocate the radio from below, a special "Lagonda" one, and engraved trims to identify the switch applications
Carpets were replaced during the restoration and remain in good and clean condition
Front and rear seat belts have been added for driver and passenger safety

The cabin is suitably palatial, with seating for five wrapped in top-notch Connolly Leather and adjoined by plenty of burr walnut. This particular car's seats are picked out in a lovely, contrasting Sand tone, and are free of any rips or tears - with only soft creasing commensurate with the car's mileage. Rear seats have walnut finished drop down tray tables and centre armrest.

The dash has been very well cared for, with some rearranging to suit the driver's needs. This appears to have been done to a very high standard, and save for some gentle patina to the dial surrounds, and some minor varnish bubbling, it's a remarkably clean array for the car's years.

The Mechanics

3,995cc (4.0-litre) twin-cam 6-cylinder powerplant
Borg Warner 3 speed Automatic transmission
Dual system Servo-assisted disc brakes
Stainless steel exhaust
Kenlowe electric cooling fan
Electric assisted power steering
De Dion rear suspension
Barely used since restoration and almost no use in the last 10 years
Remedial work would be considered necessary before prolonged use

The DB4 twin-cam straight-6 used in the Lagonda Rapide also serves Aston Martin well in later models, and in here it's very capable. While the car is large - an impressive 1,715kg - it still offers in excess of 230bhp, and was capable of 130mph. It's a sleek, comfortable tourer through and through, and popping open the bonnet reveals a nicely cared for engine bay.

Of course, a car so little used in recent decades will need a little work to be reawakened and taken back onto the road proper. For now, we've no reports of any mechanical faults.

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