Lagonda Rapide

The Lagonda Rapide is a hand built full-sized luxury four-door grand tourer which was produced from 1961 until 1964.

Lagonda Rapide
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin
Production1961–1964
55 produced
DesignerCarrozzeria Touring
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFR layout
RelatedAston Martin DB4
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L DOHC I6
Dimensions
Length196 in (4,978 mm)
Chronology
SuccessorAston Martin Lagonda

Description

Based on the Aston Martin DB4, it was David Brown's attempt to revive the Lagonda marque which he had purchased in 1948 and not used since the 3.0 litre cars of the 1950s stopped production in 1958. It marked a revival of the Rapide model name which had been used by Lagonda during the 1930s. The car was styled by Carrozzeria Touring[1] and featured rear-end styling similar to the DB4 convertible, and an adapted Lagonda grille a little similar to Ford's Edsel.

Specifications
1964 Lagonda Rapide

The Rapide uses 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 has dual-circuit, servo-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes, and most cars were supplied with a 3-speed automatic BorgWarner gearbox. The exterior body panels were constructed from aluminium alloy over a Superleggera tubular steel frame.[2] All cars except for the prototype had their bodies constructed by Lagonda. The interior was upholstered in leather and had a burled walnut dashboard.

Production

The car was hand-built to order only, with a base price of £4,950. 55 were produced, of which 48 survive.[1]

Shooting Brake

One Rapide was converted into a Shooting Brake in 2005/2006 by the Carrosserie Company Ltd. of Barnard Castle, England.

See also

References
  1. Buckley, Martin (October 2018). "The Finest of fast Cars". The Automobile. 36: 50–56.
  2. Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945–1980. Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3. OCLC 77797747.
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