Dubai: Guess James Bond will have to wait his turn for a turn at the wheel. All of the initial production run of the super-premium Lagonda from Aston Martin — Bond’s car of choice — will be exclusive for buyers in the Middle East to strut around town. The first deliveries of the Lagonda Taraf — as it will be known in these markets — are scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
“This is a strictly limited, small series car created in response to significant customer demand in the Middle East and, as such, we have chosen to keep the detail of this project confidential,” said Neil Slade, General Manager of Aston Martin Mena (Middle East and North Africa). “It is clear from the initial reaction to the car that interest from around the world is extremely high and I can confirm that we are also evaluating the opportunity to offer this Lagonda in other markets.
The price is confidential but is commensurate with its luxury and exclusivity. It has taken approximately 18 months from initial concept to reality.
The Lagonda name represents a revival from Aston Martin’s storied past. Only 645 units of the original Lagonda were built in two phases between 1974 to 1989-90.
The new-age version is something else altogether. That all that handcrafted detailing — done at the Gaydon plant in London which is also being used for the One-77 hypercar — makes for a well put together car would be an understatement. There is certainly more of it with its extended wheel base. And with a 5.9-litre V12 delivering 550-hp, there won’t be much stinting on performance (and how it should sound).
“The Lagonda nameplate has always had a particular appeal for our customers in the Middle East,” said Slade. “I’m sure those who take the opportunity to purchase the new Lagonda will be proud to own what will doubtless go on to become a piece of luxury automotive history.”
“Lagonda is based on the almost infinitely flexible VH architecture — we do expect customers of this car to request a significant amount of content through our bespoke Q service for their individually tailored car,” said Slade. “So we expect the majority of Lagondas to carry the Q service badge in addition to the Lagonda nameplate.”
Of late, Aston Martin has been “scaling up” quite a bit, with the One-77 hypercar, the V12 Zagato and the CC100 Speedster Concept, which was announced last year. Is this all part of a canny game plan to with strictly limited edition versions? “It is too early to speculate on further developments,” was about as much that Slade would give out.
