Photography courtesy of Bonhams
It’d been nearly twenty years since I’d last visited Disneyland. My girlfriend at the time, now wife of many months, insisted on going. So, I went. Walking the barely familiar grounds, I attempted to recall childhood memories of the magical theme park. Nothing seemed to click… until we arrived at Space Mountain. Immediately, I had a flashback of standing in that very line and thought, “In the ’80s, this was some futuristic stuff…now it just looks like a bunch of futuristic stuff from the ‘80s.”
I’ve since applied that theory to several automobiles from The Reagan Era. The DeLorean DMC-12 comes to mind, with its origami paper fold lines, wild gull-wing portals, and stainless steel construction…it is the epitome of dated ’80s futuristic (in the best way)…even though it pre-dates the decade, just like the Aston Martin Lagonda.
The DeLorean is an enthusiast’s go-to for “futuristic” folded paper styling, but what if you need a larger shuttle for hauling? Perhaps you’d prefer a stylish grocery getter, need room for your outdoor lifestyle equipment, or require more seats for… gulp… children who need a ride to Disneyland. Well, find that Sing-Along-Songs tape Compact Disc (fancy) and load up the family in this 1986 Aston Martin Lagonda Shooting Brake.
Count them: A, B, C, D, and E pillars—that’s a long-’onda! This Series 3 was delivered new to a Monte Carlo resident. By 1996, it’d been sold to a Hong Kong owner who hired Aston Martin restoration specialists Roos Engineering in Switzerland—best known for its extreme shooting brake conversions. It’s claimed the project took four years to complete and the custom glass alone cost 40,000 Swiss Francs (more than $40,000 today).
The owner called for additional custom aesthetic changes, including a custom front grill, chin spoiler, C-pillar badging, and Roos Engineering doorsill placards. The cabin received a custom center console to operate the rear window controls and rear glass wash and wiper—so many switches! The car was then resprayed in Antrim Blue while the interior was upholstered in grey Connolly hide. A four-speed automatic transmission replaced the original Torqueflite three-speed unit, and the fuel system was “improved”—whatever that means. Mechanically, everything else remains standard Lagonda spec.
Like its predecessor, a 5.3-liter DOHC V8 good for 280 horsepower powers this Series 3 model. Since the conversion, Roos Engineering has maintained the car and all receipts for the custom coachwork are included in the sale. Only 75 Series 3 were produced between 1986 and 1987 and, unfortunately, feature cathode ray tubes instrumentation—even more prone to failure than the original LED clusters in the Series 1 and 2. At least this model has fuel injection!
If you weren’t a fan of last week’s tow wagon, perhaps this Lagonda Shooting Brake is more your style? I’m sure you could contract Roos Engineering to fab up a tow hitch if need be—it does have self-leveling suspension, after all. Grab the diaper bag, load up the kids, and rocket your family to Space Mountain. You’re sure to be the only Lagonda long roof valeted at the self-proclaimed “Happiest Place on Earth.”
History
– Roos Engineering Shooting Brake Conversion
– One of 75 Series 3 models (One of 645 total Lagonda built)
Specifications
~280 horsepower, DOHC V8 engine, independent front suspension with transverse unequal length wishbones, ball jointed swivel pins, coil springs with telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar, De Dion rear axle located by trailing arms and transversely by Watt’s linkage, self-leveling coil spring and shock absorber units, front and rear ventilated disc brakes with servo assist. Wheelbase: 114.8 in.
Vehicle information
Chassis no.: 13511
Valuation
Auction house: Bonhams
Estimate: £200,000 – £250,000 ($290,000 – $360,000 Usd.)
Price realized: Auction on May 21
