Aston Martin Lagonda Series 4 Wedge
The Aston Martin Lagonda, produced from 1976 to 1989, was one of the most controversial and visually striking luxury cars ever created. Designed by William Towns, its extreme wedge shape was a radical departure from traditional luxury car design, and its pioneering digital electronics were years ahead of the competition.
Towns' design was uncompromising in its angularity. The razor-sharp wedge profile, pop-up headlamps, and knife-edge creases created a car that looked like nothing else on the road. Standing just 1,302mm tall, the Lagonda was remarkably low for a full-sized luxury saloon, yet it could accommodate four adults in considerable comfort thanks to its generous length and wheelbase.
The interior was equally revolutionary. Early cars featured the world's first digital instrument cluster in a production car, using LED technology. Later Series 3 and 4 cars upgraded to CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. While the technology was pioneering, it was also unreliable, and many owners eventually had the digital systems replaced or supplemented with analogue instruments.
Power came from Aston Martin's proven 5.3-litre V8 engine, producing 280 horsepower through Weber-Marelli fuel injection. The Chrysler Torqueflite three-speed automatic was the only transmission available, appropriate for a car intended to deliver effortless luxury rather than sporting engagement. Performance was respectable, with a top speed of 145 mph, though the heavy body meant acceleration was merely adequate.
The Lagonda was aimed at the Middle Eastern and American markets, where its dramatic styling and prestigious Aston Martin badge found an appreciative audience. Many were finished in elaborate colour schemes with opulent interior specifications that reflected their owners' wealth and taste for the unconventional.
Build quality was variable, reflecting the challenges of hand-building such a technologically ambitious car in small numbers. The electronic systems were particularly troublesome, with the digital instruments and electronic switches requiring frequent attention. The bodywork, while striking, was also complex and expensive to repair.
Over its 13-year production run, approximately 645 Lagondas were produced across several series iterations. The car has experienced a remarkable reassessment in recent years, with collectors and design enthusiasts recognizing the Lagonda as a bold and visionary statement that represented everything Aston Martin dared to be. Values have risen substantially as the car's significance in automotive design history has been properly recognized.
The electronic systems are the primary concern; find out what has been replaced or rebuilt. Many cars have had the original digital instruments replaced with aftermarket solutions. Body panel gaps are typically wider than modern standards. Check the V8 engine for oil leaks and cooling system condition. The Chrysler automatic is relatively simple and reliable. Bodywork corrosion affects sills and floor areas. Interior leather quality is excellent but trim can be expensive to replace. Series 4 cars with CRT instruments are generally more reliable than earlier versions.
Produced in several series: Series 2 (1976-1986), Series 3 (1986-1987), and Series 4 (1987-1989). Total production approximately 645 units. The digital instrument technology was pioneered in collaboration with several electronics firms and was frequently revised to address reliability issues. Build was entirely at Newport Pagnell.