Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide

Vehicle Overview

The Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide by Zagato: Following the success of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Volante, Zagato unveiled a concept at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show known as the Zagato Lagonda Rapide. The design was built upon an unnumbered, engineless rolling chassis obtained from Aston Martin Lagonda (AML). This chassis was shortened and fitted with a unique angular two-door saloon body structure made from steel tubing, plywood, expanded foam, and body filler, with painted-on windows rather than glass. Although the car was purported to be powered by an Aston Martin V8 engine, there was no engine fitted, as the vehicle was only a rolling shell at that time. The design, while intriguing, was somewhat benign in its overall aesthetic except for one distinct feature—a downward kink in the window line just behind the ‘A’ pillar. This kink created a somewhat awkward broken-back appearance, which may have contributed to halting any potential production plans for the vehicle. The Zagato Lagonda Rapide, despite this unique flaw, remains a notable example of bespoke automotive design from the famed Italian coachbuilder. Today, the prototype still survives in a private collection, serving as an interesting footnote in the history of Aston Martin and Zagato collaborations. The car’s unconventional styling and the absence of an engine make it a true concept car, emblematic of the 1980s’ experimental approach to luxury and performance.