Description
The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
Viewing: Tues 2nd December from 12pm
Auction: Wed 3rd December from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1963 Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide
Comprehensively restored by Aston Martin Works in the late 1990's / early 2000's
Estimate
£60, 000 - £70, 000
Registration No: KGJ 364A
Chassis No: LR/ 127/ R
MOT: Exempt
One of only 55 Rapides made
Comprehensively restored by Aston Martin Works during the late 1990's / early 2000's which is documented in the history file
Resprayed in the attractive shade of pewter green over a re-trimmed fawn leather Connolly hide
Maintained to a high standard with around £20, 000 of expenditure since the vendor's acquisition in 2022
By the late 1940s, two of the greatest names in pre-war performance motoring, Aston Martin and Lagonda, were struggling financially. On the other hand, a gear-maker who had recently branched into tractor production was enjoying mounting profits. So it went that David Brown bought the struggling marques in 1947, uniting them as companions, with Aston Martin offering performance cars with a measure of luxury, and Lagonda making luxury cars with a measure of performance. Although the Lagonda name was dropped after 1958, it would go on to be revived every time a saloon car was planned based on Aston Martin mechanicals. The first of these was the Lagonda Rapide, produced from 1961 to January, 1964, which used DB4 underpinnings, but with the 3995cc version of the twin-cam straight-six which would later power the DB5. As would be expected, it had a sophisticated specification, including dual-circuit, servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission. The styling by Touring of Milan was the last word in Italianate elegance and, like the DB4, it employed the carrozzeria’s famous Superleggera tubular construction method. Brisk, beautiful and exclusive – just 55 were built – the Rapide was the epitome of the early 1960s ‘gentleman’s express’.
More information to follow.
PLEASE NOTE: The photographed private registration number '600 BT' will be removed from the vehicle and is not included in the sale
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
