Best Car Reviews - 1985 Aston Martin Lagonda

Introduction

The 1985 Aston Martin Lagonda stands as a symbol of bold innovation in the automotive industry. Unveiled during a period of transformation for luxury cars, the Lagonda catered to a niche audience craving uniqueness and opulence. Aston Martin, known for its heritage of crafting prestigious and performance-oriented vehicles, directed this model towards individuals who desired an avant-garde design coupled with extraordinary comfort and cutting-edge technology (for its time). The standout feature of the Lagonda is its futuristic aesthetics and pioneering tech features, making it an icon of its era.

Design and Exterior Features

The design of the 1985 Aston Martin Lagonda is nothing short of avant-garde, showcasing a wedge-shaped, low-slung silhouette that is instantly recognizable. With its elongated bonnet, sharp edges, and flat surfaces, the Lagonda emphasized a futuristic approach that was ahead of its time.

• Distinctive pop-up headlights
• Sleek and elongated body design
• Aerodynamic curve enhancements
• Chromed grille with a minimalistic touch

The Lagonda truly captured the essence of 1980s luxury nestled in a daring form factor, continuing to draw admiration decades later.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Lagonda is akin to entering a realm of luxury and innovation. Designed with comfort and sophistication in mind, the cabin is replete with high-quality materials and advanced features.

• Plush leather upholstery providing superior comfort
• Advanced digital dashboard (a pioneering feature of its time)
• Ample legroom space for enhanced comfort
• Customizable seating positions for driver and passengers

The blend of high-quality materials, innovative technology, and extensive space make it ideal for those who appreciate luxury and comfort.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Lagonda houses a robust 8-cylinder engine, known as the GUZZLER CA model, with rear-wheel drive capabilities. This powerhouse delivers a noteworthy performance with a smooth and leisurely acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8 seconds.

Driving the Lagonda is a unique experience where the vehicle exhibits a balanced performance on city roads and highways alike. Navigating turns reveals its stability, although it is not as agile as some of its rivals. The Lagonda achieves a fuel consumption of roughly 37.18875 l/100 km, positioning it as a car of indulgence, not efficiency.

• Engine: 8-cylinder GUZZLER CA model
• Fuel Type: Regular Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic 3-spd

Although its fuel efficiency may not impress, its elegant, smooth cruising capability does.

Technology and Connectivity

For its era, the Lagonda was considered revolutionary in terms of technology.

• Digital cockpit with futuristic control touch panels
• Infotainment system featuring basic connectivity
• Driver assistance technologies were limited but innovative for the time

Despite the era's limitations, Aston Martin endowed the Lagonda with tech features that were cutting-edge, such as a digital dashboard display and touch-sensitive handles.

Safety Features

The 1985 Lagonda was crafted with an eye towards safety, incorporating standard features expected of luxury vehicles during its production era.

• Basic structural safety enhancements
• Standard braking system for effective deceleration
• Crash test ratings were not as prevalent then but remained a point of interest

The emphasis on safety, even if basic by today’s standards, was a priority for the designers.

Pricing and Variants

Priced in the luxury bracket, the Lagonda catered to a select audience prepared to invest in distinction. The base price hovered around a hefty sum, which, when juxtaposed with modern luxury counterparts, underscores its exclusivity.

• Base Price: High luxury segment
• Pricing was significantly above standard subcompacts of the era

The exclusivity of the Lagonda was reflected in its pricing, with few variants introduced to maintain its distinct appeal.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Iconic, timeless design
• Luxurious cabin with advanced comfort features
• Unique digital dashboard and controls
• Smooth highway performance
• Exclusive, head-turning presence

Cons

• High fuel consumption
• Limited agility in handling
• Basic safety features by modern standards
• High maintenance costs
• Original infotainment system may seem outdated

Maintenance and Common Issues

While the Lagonda is a masterpiece, it comes with its share of maintenance and issues.

Yearly Maintenance Cost: High, due to its luxury status.

Common Issues:

• Electrical system glitches
• Transmission problems
• Fuel system efficiency
• Digital dashboard failures
• High replacement part costs

Rating

Overall, the 1985 Aston Martin Lagonda ranks as a 7 out of 10.

• Design: 9/10
• Comfort: 8/10
• Performance: 7/10
• Technology: 6/10
• Safety: 5/10

User Reviews and Feedback

1. "The Lagonda is a piece of art. I love the futuristic design!"
2. "Driving it feels like a privilege. It's not about efficiency but sheer opulence."
3. "I've faced some electrical issues, but the drive is worth it."
4. "People always ask about it; a true attention grabber."
5. "Expensive upkeep, but unmatched luxury."

Best cars in this category

• 1985 Cadillac Seville
• 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E
• 1985 BMW 3 Series
• 1985 Jaguar XJ6
• 1985 Porsche 944

Summary

The 1985 Aston Martin Lagonda is best suited for those who value unique design and luxurious comfort over efficiency. Its legacy as a groundbreaking model makes it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts. Despite its drawbacks in fuel consumption and maintenance costs, the Lagonda's unmatched character and prestige offer significant value and appeal for the discerning aficionado.