1987 Aston Martin Lagonda Saloon

To own a Lagonda is to belong to one of the world's most exclusive clubs. But for its members this knowledge is but a small part of the intense pleasure derived from its possession. For each one represents the quintessence of 80 years of engineering expertise and craftsmanship. It is, however, difficult to decide which attracts the greatest attention: the sleek and stylish shape of its body, its brilliantly conceived and superbly crafted interior or its unruffled high performance. The truth is that, despite its innate luxury, the Lagonda is essentially a performer, a driver's car par excellence. Which is hardly surprising when you consider that its responsive Aston Martin 5.3-liter V8 engine is capable of propelling the car to an apparently effortless 150 mph. Variable ratio, power-assisted rack and pinion steering and an extremely sophisticated system of independent front and de Dion rear suspension ensure safe, comfortable, high-speed travel along the most winding of roads. Powerful ventilated disc brakes ensure that the stopping ability is a match for the acceleration and road-holding. Even in town, the rapid and sensitive response of the accelerator makes traffic driving seem almost a pleasure. And on long, straight runs the built-in cruise control maintains the desired speed more accurately than a driver ever could. Certainly, the Lagonda will turn a thousand heads. But what of the interior that only a very few will ever experience? it is, in the words of one motoring writer, 'staggeringly opulent.' The distinctive finish and subtle aroma of Connolly hide reigns throughout, complemented - naturally - by the gentle touch of Wilton carpeting. The level of Lagonda luxury even extends to the leather and English burr walnut of the dashboard and the door trims. (Every potential Lagonda owner will, of course, have his or her own ideas and, as always, our craftsmen and designers will be pleased to discuss these in detail.) And you would expect, bi-level air conditioning comes as standard. As do various other refinements such as stereo radio and cassette system and the electrically-adjustable front seats. Then there is the now famous instrument display. Flanking the leather-trimmed steering-wheel are no fewer than 20 sensitive switches. And on turning the ignition key, the three screens become an impressive display of illuminated information. Every function is monitored. From temperatures - inside and out - to trip mileage, battery voltage and many more in between. The first impression is one of the highest technical sophistication. And yet, as you drive the Lagonda, insulated from the commotion of the outside world, it all seems very simple indeed. Source - Aston Martin In October of 1976 Aston Martin introduced the four-door Lagonda at the Earl's Court Show. The name Lagonda was borrowed from a similar British marque that had a respectable racing tradition and produced low production, exclusive automobiles. Both Aston Martin and Lagonda also shared a similar history of financial difficulties. After World War II, David Brown took control of both Aston Martin and Lagonda and brought these honorable marques under one name. In 1959, the combination was able to capture the World Championship. The Aston Martin Lagonda was designed by William Towns. It was modern and practical with seating for five and many creature comforts. Production began in 1976 and continued untili 1990 with 645 examples being created. It was the first production automobile in the world to use a digital instrument panel and computer management. Under the hood was a four-cam eight-cylinder engine in 'Vee' configuration. A Chrysler 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission sent the power to the rear wheels. Air conditioning, power steering, brakes windows, door locks and a sunroof were all standard equipment.

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1987 Aston Martin 007 V8 Saloon

During the 1970's and early 1980's James Bond 007 had been denied the use of an Aston Martin. Whilst a Lotus Esprit is British, it will never be a sufficient alternative to an Aston Martin. But for the 1987 film, 'The Living Daylights', the producers renewed their relationship with the Tickford St. factory, allowing Bond the opportunity to sample the delights, for the first and last time, of a Newport Pagnell V8. Now it depends how you look at it - he either had one or two cars and this has caused confusion. So, at the start of the film, we see our hero, played for the first time by Timothy Dalton, driving 'B549 WUU' a V8 Volante with Cumberland Grey coachwork and upholstered in black leather. This car was in fact the personal transport of Victor Gauntlett, the Chairman of AML. This car, even without visiting Q branch, was a bit special as it was fitted with a Vantage engine, prior to it being offered as a production car. I eventually saw this particular V8 at the AMOC Horsfall race meeting in 2007, participating in the 007 track parade. During the film, and whilst in Volante form, the V8 did not display any particular 'special features'. A little later, we again see the Volante, this time in Q's workshop, where it appears to be receiving a hardtop. The script describes the car as being 'winterised'. The result is a V8 saloon; an Oscar India car that you are expected to believe is the Volante with a closed roof - this is of course impossible - but hey, it's only a film. In reality, the factory used a pair of second-hand V8's which were refurbished and modified for filming the stunt work in the mountains of Austria although much of the plot was set in Czechoslovakia. They do have visible 'Vantage' badges, but these I guess were fitted as they would have been seen on the Volante; to all intents and purposes, the car was an 'Oscar India' V8. The V8 coupe is still, I believe jointly owned by AM and Eon Productions, and is occasionally displayed at public events. I have been able to photograph the car at 1986 British Motor Show, Coys Historic Festival, Silverstone, 1998 and the AMOC St.

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1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato

The V8 Zagato model Aston Martin was a GT car of the 1980s. Just 52 examples of the coupe and 37 of the convertible were built between 1986 and 1990. The coupe was first unveiled at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show and orders were quickly taken despite only showing the drawing of the car. The decision to build the later convertible was controversial — all 52 coupes had already been purchased at the height of the supercar speculation market, and the convertibles were to remain more desirable than their predecessors. The V8 Zagato, as the name suggests, was based on the Aston Martin V8, but with a body by the famed Zagato coachbuilder. The design was an angular modern interpretation of the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato of the 1960s. The squared-off grille was especially controversial.

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Petrol Vs Diesel –The Battle Continues!

Since the dawn of the motor car, manufacturers have been constantly developing ways in which to give their cars the competitive edge. Some have focused on the fuel consumption, for others it has been the performance and recently we have seen the move towards lower CO2 emissions.

One could argue that the biggest battle in the world of motor cars is not between car manufacturers, it is between petrol and diesel! For centuries diesels have been seen as slow, loud and dirty while their petrol counterparts have been seen as fast and quiet but thirsty! Times are changing. Audi have won the coveted Le-Mans 24 hour race several times in a diesel race car. This remarkable feat of engineering is able to outpace the petrol rivals and while they are in the pits filling up with high octane fuel, the Audi is still going round the track.

I suppose you could argue that this blog should take note of the advancements in electric and hydrogen cars but when you do away with the classic internal combustion engine, you lose the car’s heart and soul. So for me anyway the battle is only two-way, at least until somebody comes up with a viable alternative!

Well today Audi have announced improvements in both their petrol and diesel engines, with a new ultra efficient petrol engine and an improved “clean diesel”. Typically diesels have always had the advantage when it comes to fuel consumption but the recent advancements in petrol injection are closing the gap fast.

So at the fighting in the corner for petrol is the new 1.2 T FSI engine in the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. This clever new engine has the same power output as the 1.9 TDI and delivers a remarkable 51.3mpg combined. And this new engine, made almost completely out of aluminium, produces only 127g/km of CO2.

Today Audi have also announced a 3.0 TDI “clean diesel” for the Audi A4. This is the same powerful and smooth diesel that is currently on offer in the Audi Q7, but now with some new technology called Adblue. This innovative chemical breaks down the Nitrogen Oxide emissions into Nitrogen and water. Couple this with the new DeNox exhaust and you have a family car that is much kinder to the environment and can still hit 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds.

Who is winning? Well due to the higher cost of diesel and the new DPF filters fitted to most diesels you still have to do an above average mileage for it to have a real benefit, but it is in the lead for economy. These new advances in petrol engines are really making a mark and with better performance than the diesels they are sure to stay the fuel of choice for “petrol heads”.
Both these new engines will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in September. If you would like more information on these or any other Audi break-through why not phone us on 01202 775050 or visit http://www.pooleaudi.com/

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