Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide

About the Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide

Based on the Aston Martin DB4, it was David Brown's attempt to revive the Lagonda marque which he had purchased in 1948. It marked a revival of the Rapide model name which had been used by Lagonda during the 1930s. The car featured DB4 rear end styling and a horse collar Lagonda grille a little similar to Ford's Edsel.The Rapide used 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 had dual circuit, servo-assisted disc brakes, and most cars were supplied with a 3-speed automatic B & W gearbox. The exterior body panels were constructed from aluminium alloy over a Superleggera tubular steel frame. The interior was upholstered in leather and had a burled walnut dashboard.