William Towns’ Lagonda finds a new life as a £320,000 shooting brake

Aston Martin’s futuristic Lagonda was for years given a wide berth by collectors fearful of its famously fragile electronics, but now the wedge-shaped wonder penned by William Towns has come to be regarded as a legitimate classic – although even well-sorted examples seldom make more than £40,000 at auction.

Despite its quirks, the Lagonda helped keep Aston Martin afloat during an especially tricky period of its history, since the extravagance of Towns’ design appealed to wealthy Middle Eastern buyers who could not only afford its £50,000 launch price (more than £450,000 today) but also the petrol to run it.

This example, however, was delivered new to Switzerland in 1987 as one of only 76 Series 3 cars built. It was acquired by its current owner nine years later and immediately sent to Aston specialist Roos Engineering in Safenwil where it underwent a four-year transformation into the unique shooting brake that it is today.

Made with the full support of Aston Martin Lagonda, it was converted using many factory-supplied parts and built within the parameters of the original wheelbase to avoid having to go through Swiss homologation. In addition to the bodywork mods, the car features custom-made windows and carpets, upholstery re-trimmed in Connolly leather and Alcantara, bespoke rear suspension and a fully upgraded electrical system.

A true one-off and showing fewer than 30,000 miles, it can lay claim to being one of the rarest Astons in existence – and they do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

1987 ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA SHOOTING BRAKE
On offer with Broad Arrow, Zürich, Switzerland, November 7. Estimate £225,000-£320,000. No reserve. broadarrowauctions.com