Lagonda Rapide
The Lagonda Rapide was introduced in 1961, years before the first Maserati Quattroporte. If you dismiss the Facel Vega Excellence, you could acknowledge the Rapide as the first real Quattro-porte. It had a potent twin cam 4.0 Liter Six cylinder engine with a -for that time- massive 236HP. The same engine would later also been used in the Aston Martin DB5. The idea for a fast four door saloon came from David Brown of Aston Martin Motor Cars. He used the Lagonda name for this very expensive car, an older brand that he wanted to revive after he bought it in 1948. The body was designed by Touring of Milan which was fixed to a Superlaggera frame and steel chassis. Interior was luxurous with posh leather and walnut dashboard, of course with all conceivable luxury as rich buyer could expect. In a way the Italian-looking car resembles Maserati’s Quattroporte, but wasn’t nearly the same success as that sports saloon. After only 55 Rapides were build, production seized in 1964.
Technical specification Lagonda Rapide:
Engine: 4.0 L straight-6
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Power: 236HP
Wheelbase: 290 cm (114 in)
Length: 497 cm (195.5 in)
Width: 177 cm (69.6 in)
Height: 142 cm (56 in)
Weight: 1,715 kg (3,781 lb)
Top speed: 210 KM/h (130 MPH)
0-100 KM/h: 8.9 seconds
Production number: 55
Designer: Touring Turin
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