The Aston Martin Lagonda was produced from 1974 to 1990. Over that time period only 645 of them were made. They were incredibly expensive, pretty damned ugly, and amazingly unreliable in both the electronic and mechanical sense. Weighing in at more than 4,400lbs and sporting a whole 280hp, they were also slow. All that being said, nothing else looked like them and at the time the only cars more expensive than a Lagonda were a handful of Rolls Royce models and a couple of Bentleys.
Because they were so exclusive and because they were so distinctive, they attracted an elite clientele. Never being one to shy away from flaunting his wealth, this was a car literally made for a guy like Evel Knievel. Other than the fact it was heavier and slower than those big Harleys he kept leaping over stuff with, this was Evel personified. At some point Evel had the stock 280ci engine and Torqueflite (yes, these things had ‘Flites in them) and had a 502ci big block Chevy and 700R4 swapped in. He also had the whole dash replaced and the interior redone. Essentially he got rid of all the car’s fatal flaws, outside of the hideous exterior styling, but a bunch of horsepower can take the edge off of that.
What cracks us up are the side pipes. The original British designers would be horrified to see them, but frankly we wouldn’t believe Evel Knievel owed this thing if it didn’t have side pipes. He was a showman and we’re sure you could hear this monster coming for blocks with him behind the wheel.
Sadly Knievel is dead. The good news is that he won’t show up at BS HQ with a bat to break my hands since we took a shot or two at the styling of this automobile. Hey….is someone at the door? Oh dear.
Link: Evel Knievel’s 1984 Aston Martin Lagonda for sale
Hey, it’s better than some engine-swaps I’ve heard of! At least it’s a Big Chevy goin’ in something other than a ricer! Far as the external styling…..don’t look so bad……kinda looks like a stretched out older Volvo sedan. And yeah, I’ve seen SBC’s in them, too.
Sure it has a cool history but it’s still one of the ugliest cars ever made! The only uglier car I can think of is the Aztek.
Have you seen the wagon that was made out of that car? Let’s say it’s “special”.
Rip out that crate motor trash and swap in something that’s more fitting of an Aston-Martin. How about a twin-turbo Coyote V8? (I mean Ford still owns a small chunk of A-M, so it’s “all in the family.” And it would simply hammer a boring 502 in both efficiency and performance)
I’m surprised that “Showman” Knievel didn’t tart up the car with his signature red/white/blue stars and stripes livery.
BTW, a long-roof version of a British car isn’t a “wagon” . . . it’s a “Estate” or a “Shooting Brake.”
I was working at Aston-Martin of Beverly Hills back in the late 80’s and Evel pulled in with this car when it still had the original engine in it. The car was running hot and had a stuck thermostat. He patiently waited at our facility while the car cooled and the tech could get his hand on it to change the t-stat. The tech and I spoke with Evel. He was a great guy. Soft spoken and answered all the umpteen questions we had. Before he left he gave us a couple “tokens” and said if we were able to make it to Las vegas that weekend we could get in to see his son Robbie jump the fountains at Ceasars Palace if we presented the tokens to the folks at the gate. I couldnt make it but sure wished I could of.