ASTON MARTIN ABANDONED FOR DECADES!

1962 Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide rescued after being abandoned since 1988. One of only 55 made, and a rare manual transmission too!

[@jaymorris3468]

Wow, the patience and tenacity of some people is just amazing, thank God there are people like this

[@keplermission4947]

Ghastly music on YT these days, you know, really discourages us in using it but someone used to the hard work in the video above, well, working-class perhaps and no music expert I guess.

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

​@@keplermission4947 WTF has that got to do with the content? If you have nothing to say on the young lads skills then it's best you don't comment at all!! Honestly, some people!

[@Tipo107]

@@keplermission4947 copyright limits what music you can use. I agree that it is a bit annoying, but probably not as annoying as me voicing over. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘working class’ - but I’ll take it as a compliment 😜

[@kevinseven6633]

@@keplermission4947 You can always turn the music off if it's not to your taste. What did you think of the restoration as that was the actual subject of the video?

[@keplermission4947]

@@kevinseven6633 Well, what did I think? You know there's a color video on YT of the funeral of the 1st Earl of Avon and his son Nick is not surprisingly there and that's what I was thinking of, the original owner drivers but it makes for grim reading as Eden's first son died in WW2. The posh owners of these cars had hard lives. But I remember the cars but they were from a different era, not a very nice time to share. These cars might bring some pleasure to a restorer but they have all the appeal of a cemetery to me. But have a look at that funeral and the awesome place - wow, that's where these cars belong.

[@War5cry]

I can't believe what you went through to recover this Lagonda. Not mechanically or even the trim, but to replicate the chassis appears to have been a superhuman task. I'm actually awestruck at what you've accomplished. Congratulations!

[@pnotuner1]

Yeah, I'm looking at it and it is so unitized that I don't think it is possible

[@vimalkumar3815]

Joonoon..in Hindi... means a man is sick with its passion...madness in his work...

[@kougerat5388]

Thanks for that 👍Joonoon ! Yes I like that, I'll be using that from now on 😉 I'll try to remember it by thinking of midday in the month of June! 😁

[@blxtothis]

What an achievement, and how such a rare gem had been hidden from the car world for so long. It’s an absolute testimony to you for such an incredible restoration, David Brown is smiling down at you!

[@Tipo107]

Thank you 🙂

[@RammYou2]

my comments on youtube are blocked so if you would be so kind as to repost thank you! didn't even know this automobile existed. it's lines are superb. the funds to restore such a piece are surely breathtaking! but with the cash available you have something that is possibly worth quite a bit more due to the rarity. beautiful job and i like the photo presentation. excluding the acting, dialogue, and joking, isn't that what we really want to watch? something about seeing the thing come back to life is very satisfying indeed.

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

There is nothing I can say but WOW!!! What a fabulous job you have done on this rare old bird. I have only ever seen one in my 67 years. Fabulous work and the attention to detail is commendable 👍👍👍

[@Rob-Benny-Hill]

@@RammYou2 well said bud. Ditto.

[@erwindani2825]

your dedication and commitment in bringing the car back is highly commendable

[@jonathanraven5939]

Indeed

[@janvandekerk6877]

What a wonderful chap who has come along and decided to rescue this superb 1960s British High speed grand tourer !

[@thomasmulhall4873]

Absolutely stunning! I've restored a DB4 and DB6 for customers, and finally my own DBS is nearing the finish line. I commend you on your work. Only those who have dove into these cars know how difficult they can be. How you did all that on axle stands is beyond me! Thank you for saving a lovely and important Aston- the very first AM with a deDion back axle! Cheers

[@beatglauser9444]

I fully agree: We used to work on classic Astons in our body shop. And honestly, seeing the "condition" this car was in I would have run away. It is incredible what was archieved here! And nearly noone watching this stuff has any idea of the amount of labour and skill required to save a car in this terrible state it was in. It is more than impressive to see how the car turned out!

[@user-bl7gf2fv2j]

Ariel Genevieve Perrier lee Stanley evergreen terrace DeLand Florida hwy 11 tent 2 on left geer teal

[@mathiasfrey6052]

What an incredible rescue!

[@welshtexas1]

Never knew this model existed, thanks to you I do now. Need a video of it running. Hope it makes you smile every time you see it!!

[@jdmimportlogistics]

What an absolute gem! Brilliant work for me barn find Aston's are the pinnacle of automotive restoration

[@SkylarkCamperAdventures]

That video could not possibly get over the amount of dedicated work that took! 👍 Excellent job

[@damnationrogue973]

Thank You - It's people like you that save these historic treasures from disappearing forever.

[@roberthartmaier6643]

As a long time Aston Martin fan, I applaud you for your efforts in rescuing this car. Amazing job

[@robertglas5854]

Nearly miraculous! You turned a wreck into a brand new car! Incredibly skillful!

[@rdanalytics9197]

The talent of some people never ceases to amaze me. This is an epic achievement.

[@thatcheapguy525]

its absolutely criminal to let such a rare quality piece get into that awful state. well done for bringing it back to its deserved glorious life.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

It's not criminal. If you pay the aaking price of a vehicle, you can do what you want with it, including letting it rot and then scrapping it. Also, it is an inanimate object. It can be shredded and scrapped or restored. It doesn't *deaerve* anything. You are treating it like a sentient being with feelings.

[@garysmith8276]

I feel sorry for you.

[@thatcheapguy525]

@@garysmith8276 explain?

[@andylewis7360]

Bloody AMAZING!! Your dedication to bringing this glorious motor back from the brink is utterly inspirational! Just goes to show that if you want something badly enough you can do it. And you’ve saved a highpoint in British motoring history for future generations. And what surprises me more than anything is, you obviously didn’t cut one single corner! You, sir are a gentleman and a scholar. 😊👍🏻

[@Beauloqs]

What an incredible job. Three years of struggle which was the beginning of a lifetime of family memories. Well done!

[@b19bry]

OMG, it's beautiful to see your love, dedication & skill to bring this car back to it's former glory. Almost had me in tears, absolutely stunning.

[@averageguy2525]

Only a master craftsmen could restore this beauty! Great restoration job! All your labor paid off! Such a beauty!

[@austendallaston3537]

Beautiful, just beautiful, you've saved a wonderful car, a piece of British motoring history thank you

[@jerrycallender9927]

WOW! We need more young people with your vision for preservation.

[@mrbennetts]

What a wonderful restoration. I owned a Rapide many years ago, number 16, and I remember working on those awful offset universal joints on the back axle, always out of skew. Complete admiration for what you have done.

[@nevillecapper6529]

Very satisfying video ,to watch the gradual transformation from neglected heap, to a beautiful example of supreme motoring. Brilliant effort. Inspiring

[@garyjonah22]

What an absolute master-class in ambition, devotion, and skill. A wonderful result, and a treasure rescued.

[@ursusskandia]

My deepest respect for the incredible work you did there - no car *needs* to go to the scrap yard! No need for footage - the fotos are great. Would have been nice to see the beauty drive on the road though!

[@michelbeauloye4269]

I can only congratulate you, young man, for the splendid and difficult restauration you have carried out !

[@miguelpaixao1317]

So nice to see 3 years in a row and the result became magic. What a job!! What a car!!! Congratulations!!

[@1glopz]

There is no amount of money that can compensate for the effort love tenacity and detail put into this master piece

[@nygelmiller5293]

I've always been impressed by Lagondas, and am so glad you came to it's rescue!

[@murraygnz]

Fantastic to see one of these restored. Well Done. I still have an original sales brochure for the Lagonda Rapide. I could scan and email it if you don't have one yourself already.

[@Tipo107]

I do already have a copy, but that’s a very kind offer - thank you 🙂

[@davidbrooks187]

Absolutely beautiful car . Fantastic restoration 👍👍🇬🇧

[@davidbarrett1487]

That was no easy restoration, fantastic result, well done. 👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@Fintoman]

What can be said, a stunning restoration. Congratulations.

[@billydocherty4348]

Well done, mate, this beautiful piece of British history brought back to life 👏 you should be well proud of yourself all that helped with parts ,fabrication,prep, and paint absolutely magnificent your poor young family must have missed you loads with all the nights and weekends spent on this I am sure they are just as proud of your achievement although I bet you hid a few bills from her...😅 still fantastic job, I am a JAG man myself, but getting to restore a classic Aston would be right up there for me so again we'll done mate I applaud your hard work dedication and effort it's people like you that keep our heritage and craft alive bless you sir...👍

[@Tipo107]

Thank you, my family did see me sometimes 😅. I’m actually restoring a Jaguar XJ-SC right now and really enjoying it - the last affordable (kind of) proper classic.

[@team3383]

Great rare project and what a result. So nice to see this being done "privately" rather than some rich guy picking it up and a nuts and bolt restoration done by some well known garage. Fantastic. Thanks.

[@stewartevans3875]

Wow - what an absolutely incredible job - I felt quite emotional watching this toward the end. This really is one of my favourite cars and I just cant believe how brave you were to undertake this - your skill and tennacity is just on another level. The finished car is just absolutely stunning. Cheers Stew

[@grahamhill9499]

Behave yourself get a grip

[@stewartevans3875]

@@grahamhill9499 wonderful comment - did it take you long to think that up ?

[@dogpaw775]

that is a truly impressive piece of work and in what appears to be a fairly modest work environment. The difference with an owner handing it over to a specialist and throwing loads of money at it must make the sentimental value immeasurable. ps now that guy is the 'specialist'.

[@paulwatts1704]

exactly right

[@gingercat555]

GREAT JOB ... your patience should be rewarded ... truly a transformation if I've ever seen one here it is ... what a stunner of a car ... just could not put a price on this beautiful car ... well done all who helped to bring this great car back to life.

[@justincase6645]

What a fantastic rebuild , if any car ever deserved meeting you it was this one ! Thank you for saving her ! ❤

[@janvandekerk6877]

The 1963 Lagonda Rapide was the truly fastest high speed refined gentle man's tourer of it's day !

[@moyadapne968]

All the bells and whistles. 4 wheel discs, rack and pinion, De Dion diff, and a brace of Webers. Exotic stuff.

[@paulcruse]

Very very nice, all the right badges, all the right names. I never knew this existed either. I have helped restore a few things back in the day, as a sprayer, including an almost barn find TR6, but nothing this far gone. I love that it’s a saloon and so elegant and above all, that it’s an Aston! Thanks for doing it and for sharing. Let’s see some on the road videos! Maybe reach out and get Number 27, or Harry’s Garage to review it?

[@AaronRandolphChen]

What a true labor of love this is. Your persistence & perseverance are also admirable indeed! Would love to hear it running.

[@philyew3617]

Now that's what restoration is about. I take my hat off to you sir, and, thank you for saving this piece of history.

[@vegar6013]

What a fantastic project. Beautiful work and fantastic result. Congratulations.

[@simonwood1461]

Absolutely brilliant work! Well done. Could we please see a video of the car strutting its stuff on a road.

[@andygrayson7485]

Absolutely fantastic work, a very beautiful car.....well done 👍👍👍

[@hydorah]

Very handsome - with unique looks - just like all the big Astons. Well done for saving it!

[@johncarne4550]

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL,, A classic worth saving It's a real CREDIT to you,,, WELL DONE

[@dutchcuda]

I`d say you did a cracking job in only 3 years... what an amazing automobile 😎✨✨

[@Treviscoe]

You've done a magnificent job. What a shame that a car like that should have been abandoned in the first place though.

[@nelnav77]

Awesome you turned a Rusty bucket of bolts into a beautiful automotive work of art 🎨 . Bravo 👏 Maestro

[@spursman3998]

What a beautiful car and what a restoration, wow. You should be extremely proud of yourself. Magnificent!

[@user-wr8ew7xy4f]

your dedication and commitment in bringing the car back is highly commendable. What an incredible rescue!.

[@chummychummy7651]

I remember this Lagonda in a classic car magazine many years ago! It was in a very sorry state, even then! I'm so happy to see of its restoration..you have done a simply amazing job..very well done to you.

[@troy-wc5uc]

My son years ago said to me daddy why are things that were made so long ago like cars and buses so much better to me then today and it's 3 people like you to carry out this Restorations that make my son appreciate Motor Industry in the past thank you for what you have done

[@kevingayadeen7253]

Fantastic job, hats off to you, she looks splendid. Please show her running.

[@nkelly.9]

Stunning. You took on a project that only a brave person would embark on. I shudder at the amount of work involved. You are obviously very skilled at bodywork too. You have turned a sow's ear in to a silk purse. What a beautiful car that you have saved, an extremely rare and desirable manual too. You must be extremely satisfied with the results of your hard work. Kudos and well done Sir!

[@Tipo107]

Thank you 🙂

[@nkelly.9]

@@Tipo107 I'm doing a Mark 1 DB6 Volante at the moment, rusty and beaten up and bodged, but not as rusty as yours. I am blown away by your efforts. Beautiful cars.

[@Tipo107]

That’s a beautiful car - lucky you 🙂. I hope the restoration goes well.

[@nkelly.9]

@@Tipo107 Needed a brand new engine block! Every nut and bolt has been bashed by some idiot with a hammer. Had a poor telescopic damper conversion in the rear and jap brake servos fitted. Taking it back to complete stock standard with working Selectaride rear dampers and Girling Mk2A brake servos, like yours. Lower 12" of the car replaced, inner engine bay panels. You have put correct finishes on your car (apart from the final drive! They were painted with cheap black paint over the lead oxide and the black just washed away. Doesn't matter it looks great. I noticed the fuel tanks in your car looking as identical to the Volante ones as I can make out from your photos! Still blown away by your efforts and have forwarded your KZbin clip to a colleague. Just WOW.

[@bradcaldwell9158]

I knew of Lagonda, but had never even heard of this model. What a beauty! Thank you for saving it and congratulations on the result. I hope you get years of enjoyment from it.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Congratulations on this amazing achievement, I'm just full of respect! It's so refreshing to see so much good being done against the background of the world the way it is.

[@lbe1309]

it's incredible, and in my mind even criminal, that people let rot away cars like this. Thank you and many congratulations for this wonderfull work !!!

[@iantoo3503]

When I first saw how this beautiful car had been treated I was outraged. Congratulations on having the skill and determination to save it. You must show it to the world (&me!).

[@gaillaffer7579]

Amazing work. Totally worth all that effort. To be driving it on a long Summers’s night,somewhere in the country, would be an absolute pleasure

[@urbanus3546]

By restoring beautifly this amazing car you safe an important piece of automotive history which even your son will enjoy. Very, very well done.

[@peternorman2563]

Well there are some very dedicated engineers amongst us ! What talent and dedication. A pleasure to watch.

[@ConstantXplorer]

I thought for sure that car was toast. Yet you've turned a crumbly shell of a classic car...into a museum piece. CHEERS!

[@davidmackee8575]

Beautiful car and lovely restoration well done 👍👍

[@Voxel-Ux]

I'm knocked out by this! What an epic transformation! It's wonderful how such an incredible work of art that is this car has now been given a second chance. What you've done is not only awesome, but inspiring too. No effort can be too great when such a brilliant result awaits. My compliments to you and all the best to you and your family.

[@brianjones4026]

I have really no words , other than you brought back from a certain grave this astounding example of the Quintessentially British Automobile ! Nobody Made Them Better ! From Britain with Love !

[@beatglauser9444]

I remember a Maserati 3500 Granturismo with a Touring superleggera body. My Grandpa used to own one. Thirty years later I discovered an empty shell of a body in a field. The aluminium skin looked good, but the steel underneath was basicly gone. It was a completely lost cause. But since then I know how much is required to rebuild a body of this kind. Honestly I did not believe this Lagonda could be saved at first. It makes me all the happier to see the stunning result: Congratulation!

[@thethirdman225]

What an amazing story. There’s some incredible fabrication skills went into that. And while I personally couldn’t call it a good looking car, IMHO, it’s obviously an extremely significant one. I’ve seen more chooks with teeth than examples of this car. Lagondas have never been commonplace. I don’t normally comment on videos like this but I was hooked as soon as I saw it in its dilapidated state. What a great effort. I’m amazed you got it done so quickly. Congratulations.

[@jonbutzfiscina1307]

I am in awe in the workmanship put into this car. The fabrication involved is mind-blowing. But what a beauty. How does it drive? I would like to see a video of that. The grill reminds me of the Edsel, but Aston-Martin got it right.

[@ronniedenton8810]

Wow! You made it totally like brand new! I have never seen such a perfect rest! Well done!

[@alejandroramirezmartinez3676]

You are not a craftsman, you are a magician! Thanks for sharing, i enjoyed a lot!

[@RammYou2]

didn't even know this automobile existed. it's lines are superb. the funds to restore such a piece are surely breathtaking! but with the cash available you have something that is possibly worth quite a bit more due to the rarity. beautiful job and i like the photo presentation. excluding the acting, dialogue, and joking, isn't that what we really want to watch? something about seeing the thing come back to life is very satisfying indeed.

[@sylvainbaty5856]

Incroyable ! Quelle travaille ! C'est fantastique de remettre sur roues une telle légende !!! Félicitations 🎉bravo

[@portnaluinge]

Thanks to the KZbin algorithm for dropping this in my timeline. What stunning work! The end results justify all your hard work.

[@haroldwonder446]

I restored a 1973 Austin Mini right down to the bones so I really appreciate your required effort to complete this restoration. Good job man. From Canada.

[@Tipo107]

You need a vision of how it will be when finished to drive you to do it. Thanks for your comment 🙂

[@danielarrate669]

Awesome work! It must be so satisfying now to own it…let along driving it. Thanks for sharing. Be well

[@187DAFFY]

Watching this almost brought a tear to my eye! The work done on this classic is absolutely astounding! Truly amazing work and to see this beautiful rare machine brought back to life was the best idea since sliced bread. Well done, you deserve 100% respect 👌

[@Tipo107]

Thank you 🙂

[@rogermowat401]

Absolutely wonderful following this truly dedicated restoration faithful to the Aston Martin marque. I have no doubt whatsoever this is better built than the original and truly a car to be loved and cherished. Fantastic video footage.

[@christopherfitzgerald774]

Thank you so much for saving this beauty. I drove a 4 speed manual Rapide just like this in the 1970's for an industrialist who was an Aston fan, (we also had DB5's & Db6's including a Volante or two) including a trip to Megeve in the sking season. It was British racing Green with a red interior. After a year or so we fell out over something unrelated and when I returned a year later I discovered it had gone. Apparently, it was put in for a service at a garage in Beaulieu down in the New Forest, Hants where, on being taken for a test drive by a mechanic it caught fire and was abandoned in a field. Such a shame, it really was a head-turner even in those days. I often wish I could find another. One incident happened on the way back into the UK when a customs officer mistook it for a Facel Vega and wanted to charge duty if I was carrying spares bought abroad. I very quickly put him right on that.

[@mrofnocnon]

You are a brave man tackling this. Well done!

[@maluartesania5509]

Incrível, parabéns! Quem gosta de automóveis, fica muito satisfeito aí ver um resgate desse, revivendo uma história. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mauricecohen3830]

Beautiful restoration. I could not even imagine taking on something like this. I'm too impatient.

[@larrydraper9544]

The car waited just for you to be the one with grit and determination to be restored to glory. Thank you

[@charlesackermann2176]

This is simply amazing and very courageous of you. Congragulations!! I didn‘t think it would be possible to save this wonderful car. Well done you

[@sagecouncil]

Stunning... Excellent work and a lot of dedication... It is a credit to you!

[@chrisdykes9268]

Your talent, dedication and attention to detail is incredible A true pleasure to watch and what a beautiful car

[@Chewligan1]

I don't understand why people would just dump cars like this and not at least cover it from the elements. Thanks for the enjoyable upload.

[@fredricholst5362]

This is absolutely fantastic! what outstanding work, patience and interest!! I think it is admirable that you have succeeded in this deed, it brings happiness and joy to everyone who sees this fine car. I hope you and your family get to experience many, many miles in this master piece of car history!!! 🤩👍🏼😎

[@ccrm10]

Wow! That was an amazing restore. What a beautiful car!

[@jerrytraub8074]

I think it's the best looking, and sportiest 4 door car I have ever seen!

[@5678niall]

Incredible restoration, 3 years part time is amazing progress. We'll done ❤

[@timredford6608]

Absolutely 1st class restoration well done 😊

[@tonyfraser1749]

Simply amazing, it's a work of art, you are to be congratulated.I can't imagne what it would feel like to drive it!! I hope your exceptionally proud of yourself!

[@demonsbutterfly]

Wow. That is just beautiful. Well done for saving a classic

[@colinpadley1897]

Great to see such a great car saved and brought back to its former glory, wonderful, stunning job.

[@verity9000]

Unbelievable! THANK YOU so much for rescuing that beautiful machine. I find it inconceivable that anyone could just let it sit and rot like that. Congratulations :)

[@Calamity_Jack]

Wow! I think it would've been easier to build one from scratch. lol! When I saw all that rusted out (and missing!) undercarriage, I thought, there's no way this can come back. I can only imagine the countless hours of work you put into it. But the results are stunning, congrats! It's beautiful.

[@4Marshalla]

Fantastic dedication and a wonderful result. Thanks for rescuing this car!

[@peterherrington3300]

Congratulations on a beautiful restoration. After all that diligent work , I'm surprised you're not terrified of driving such an outstanding example.