Lagonda, a storied name in British automotive history, began its journey in 1906 under the auspices of Wilbur Gunn, an American opera singer turned automotive pioneer. Originating in Staines, Middlesex, Gunn named the company after a Shawnee settlement in his native Ohio. The brand quickly distinguished itself with innovative designs, such as the 1907 20hp six-cylinder Torpedo, which found success in Russian markets after a notable win in the 1910 Moscow–St. Petersburg trial.

The company’s innovative spirit continued with the introduction of the 11.1 model in 1913, which featured advanced engineering like the world’s first fly-off handbrake. The interwar years saw further expansion and acclaim, culminating in a controversial Le Mans victory in 1935 with the luxurious 4.5-litre M45. Financial troubles loomed, but the acquisition by Alan P. Good and the recruitment of legendary engineer W.O. Bentley led to iconic models such as the V12-engined LG45.

In 1947, a pivotal shift occurred when David Brown acquired Lagonda, merging it with Aston Martin. This partnership led to the development of influential models like the 1948 2.6-litre, which featured a twin overhead cam straight-six engine, setting the foundation for future Aston Martin engines. The brand experienced a revival in the late 20th century with the introduction of the distinctive, wedge-shaped Aston Martin Lagonda in 1976, a model that sustained the company through financial upheavals until 1990.

In recent years, Aston Martin has revitalized the Lagonda marque with an eye towards luxury saloons and high-end SUVs, marking a new chapter in its illustrious heritage. The introduction of the Taraf in 2014, limited to 200 units, emphasized this high-performance luxury ethos, blending historical prestige with contemporary innovation.

Main image via: Photo by Antonio Friedemann: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-riding-a-vintage-convertible-car-9152969/

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