The Two Craziest Luxury Cars in World Are British! Aston Martin Lagonda, Bentley Turbo RT

[@martinclapton2724]

I remember the 1st Lagonda launch at the Earls Court Motor Show, 1976. I was in my mid teens and my friend and I had saved up our paper round money (£1.62 1/2 per week !) to pay for the coach trip collecting us from Kidderminster, including entry (£5.00) . The Lagonda stole the show - it was so futuristic with its digital dash , and the overall look was sensational to say the least. . My friend and I also had saved an additional £5.00 to pay for a steak meal afterwards but I got pickpocketed outside Earls Court as we were making entry. So after losing one another for about 1 and half hours inside the show, despite tannoy announcements to meet on a certain stand, we made do with a toffee apple , whilst walking from Earls Court to Marble Arch via the park , over the Serpentine ( when asked London folk for directions they said get a taxi. ) Interestingly , in the Mercedes showroom at Marble Arch they had the C111 mid engined diesel car in bright orange. Different times for kids in their teens then , the Lagonda saved Aston anyway.

[@twcmaker]

Ahh Kidderminster to Eals Court. Did that a few times with C-line 😉

[@sdry1688]

My Earls Court Show Guide say entry was 80p and the Lagonda was ' price to be announced' but by 1978 is was £32,600 appx the same price as a Corniche Convertible

[@martinclapton2724]

@@sdry1688 yes I remember the advert in the local paper , the price was paid to include return trip in the coach as well as entry to the show. It certainly was a lot of money for my friend and I , whilst on our paper rounds . We each paid our own way rather than being helped by parents etc.

[@sdry1688]

@@martinclapton2724 Happy days

[@blackcat62]

Can’t recall if it was NEC but similar experience for me. I took Two photos with my 110 Kodak and had to piece them together to get the full length of the car. It was mind blowing, stole the show!

[@franzschutz9833]

The garage where my father bought his used Fiat:)) was also the only AM agency in Switzerland. 1981 - I was 7 years young - flew! with my father to the Geneva Motor Show. Of course we visited the AM booth where we even were let in. While Daddy drank a whiskey with the "mechanic", I was allowed to daydream in the Lagonda. The carpets, the leather, the instruments and then I even got a brochure which I kept for more than 2 decades as it like the car(s) was from another world. Still today I have the atmosphere and smell of the leather present and will never forget it.

[@Luke-yh6nm]

Remember how the seats were literally as soft as beanbags in Lagondas? And didn't the steering wheel feel so small!

[@nelsonclub7722]

On the M4 once in the 80's I stopped to help change a tyre on a white Lagonda. The middle Eastern passengers all dressed in ahem full black and full white were looking a bit helpless standing looking at the flat tyre. In the pissing rain I got them going after about half an hour. They all hopped in and then just effed off without even saying thanks.

[@autoavids]

If I had to choose between the two I'd have to have the Lagonda just for the sheer craziness of it all. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Number27]

Thank you for watching and enjoy your week!! 🙏

[@G58]

What about that first stretched Aston V8 Lagonda? Now that was a nice car. I wonder how many they built.

[@autoavids]

@@G58 very true, I love the V8 Astons on the 70s and 80s. That muscular look is absolutely striking.

[@stanleymasterson1135]

@@G58 We only built 8 of those

[@EngineerLewis]

Love this visit down memory lane - I worked with Aston Martin in the 1980s on a Lagonda development - the mule car we were using was a shortened Lagonda and it was driven by the development engineer who threw it around the test route on a disused airfield. Happy days and an interesting time working on the design of a new suspension layout. Thanks for the video.

[@Number27]

Thanks for watching and for the memories Lewis!!

[@allwrighty100]

I saw an Aston Martin Lagonda first time (possibly only time) in Glasgow back in the late 70's. She (driver) was stopped at the traffic lights as I was crossing the road on my way to college, so I must've been about 18. I thought 'one day I'm going to have one of those', as it turned out I've never even seen another one on the road let alone been close to buying one.

[@resnonverba137]

Bentley interiors have always been wonderful. A lesson to the world about style and elegance.

[@RevLexus]

they are

[@judih.8754]

Yes but look at all the pieces used to make up the headliner.

[@misssummersalt]

@@judih.8754 each one hand trimmed in the finest, softest leather!

[@israelmarkevitz7805]

I grew up with both of those cars in my father's garage. They were BEASTS. The Lagonda cost way more to maintain over just a few years than it cost to purchase new.

[@protestagain]

Remember when the Aston Martin Lagonda appeared on the first motor shows. It was like a spaceship, what a dream car for a young lad. Today, I might have enough to buy one, but who dares to buy problems when the budget is limited. Yes, but I love the Lagonda more than the Bentley. It's just a big battleship.

[@andrewpreston4127]

Thank you. The real difference between these two cars is that one is a proper car, and the other is a rich man's toy, intended to impress just by its looks. As I recall, from, yes, way back then..... the Lagonda was aimed squarely at the Middle Eastern oil state purchaser, certainly not the UK market...... all far too far out and Lady Penelope for the UK. I seem to recall, that although it received lots of publicity, Aston Martin only sold a relative handful of these things.

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

A very good friend of mine had a Lagonda while he lived in France - it was mad driving that thing in Paris, not least because it was painted gold! He also had a Mulsanne Turbo at his place in Cap d' Antibes which I much preferred driving. Thanks for bringing back those memories Jack.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

‘My Lagonda is too large to get through this damned Parisian traffic’ is such a glorious first world problem to have. That thing must’ve turned so many heads!

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

@@Jonathan_Doe_ Yes it did hahaha... The Bentley really was the choice drive to the French Riviera.

[@curbowman]

Sorry to ask, but... what kind of (legal) job let him have both an Aston Martin Lagonda and a Bentley Mulsanne Turbo???

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

Investment banking

[@iainchapman]

That "Wildberry" maroon/purple paint on the Bentley is absolutely stunning

[@pezzonovante888]

I love them both, but I've always been obsessed with the Turbo R.

[@jtreut]

I was obsessed with the R also. Remember seeing a new one through the window of my school bus. Fast forward 30+ years and I test drove one. It broke my heart. Not an enjoyable car to drive at all.

[@shieldaigbencher]

Both great cars. I remember seeing the Aston while travelling through London to my Dads flat on Baker Street.

[@Padrone5763]

In the late 70's I saw a Lagonda parked outside Fenwicks at Brent Cross shopping centre. Naturally I was fascinated because I knew the dash was digital and had a flat panel with what I think were touch sensitive buttons,it was space age to me and I'd only seen it in magazines at the time. It looked like it was designed & drawn with a ruler in 10 minutes,but just seemed so massively modern considering the cars of the day like marina's cortina's etc. Funny when you kicked down and the back twitched 😂 A great watch again !

[@DoubleOhSteffan]

Loving this new series Jack, you're choosing some really interesting cars. Great work!

[@Number27]

Thank you Steve, really glad you enjoyed it!!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Really enjoyed this episode - relaxed style, v informative 👍🏻

[@Number27]

Ah thank you! Hope things going well with you guys too!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

@@Number27 👍🏻👍🏻

[@peterj5751]

I love the fuses in the Lagonda. I wish all cars had this, though it is probably just acknowledges that you are going to be trouble shooting electrics a lot.

[@ArneHulstein]

I absolutely love that Lagonda. It has been one of my favorite looking cars ever since I saw my first one many years ago.

[@mattg8369]

The Lagonda is one of my all-time favorite automobiles. The final series with the six headlights is my favorite version. Simply handsome.

[@6rimR3ap3r]

Early Lagondas, especially in black, look really stunning. As a kid I thought they were hideous, seeing them in quartets card games. But the more I look at them the more I appreciate the different design.

[@eoinoconnell185]

This. I used to hate their looks. But now I can appreciate the classic design. It's someone in the 1970's trying to create what they would perceive as a car in the futuristic 80's. I'd certainly take it over the comparable Ferrari or Maserati. The look is so unique. Especially the 6 headlights. Something you would only ever see on a concept car and never a production model. Funny to see the electronics taking up so much of the budget. The whole thing would run on any of today's smartphones.

[@bikemike1118]

What would actually interest me is whether Avon can still provide the suitable tyres for both these ‚ships‘ (?). If not, owners have a HUGE problem…

[@eze8970]

Thanks Jack, two very interesting cars, I think you felt quite at home in the Bentley landship!

[@patrickhostler5939]

That Bentley just looks fabulous as well as astonishingly comfortable

[@jasongammon2767]

Great film and a reminder from my childhood of a local factory owner and his white lagonda driving around my town. It was always a real wow moment for me to see it 👏🏻👍🏼

[@curbowman]

Wow! A white Lagonda? I've never seen one, most are darker shades of metallic. I guess it looked even more out of this world!

[@Rouxenator]

The Lagonda digital gauges reminds me a lot of a 3.0 V6 Cressida an uncle of mine had. Lovely car that was although everyone joked and said he was sold that car because they did not want to sell him a Camry.

[@mattdixon6396]

One of my mates dad owned a Lagonda when it was brand new. It was the coolest thing we had ever seen. We both used to sit in the back and marvel at the dashboard. He sold it a year later as it was unfortunately so unreliable. Great video mate

[@gazzafloss]

The A.M Lagonda is the epitome of a 70's car in it's styling. Today it looks so "yesterday", but in the day "oh yeh baby!" The Bentley, eternal class, all the way. Nice one Jack 👍.

[@veritasvincit2745]

I really appreciate William Towns various designs. Most light aircraft have fuses and circuit breakers easily accessible in flight in the cockpit. I wonder if the fuse box in the Lagonda was some sort of weird nod to that.

[@Number27]

Interesting comments, thanks!

[@bretkaiser7355]

Premium quality, as always. Cheers, Jack!

[@lundsweden]

The Aston Martin Lagonda is the Grandaddy of the Tesla Cybertruck!

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

These are nice wafters, always fun to see this kind of car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@martinda7446]

Turning into a great channel. Well done. I remember the Lagonda being introduced as a kid... We thought it was nuts then, but we liked it.

[@TheBlaert]

These 2 are in my top 10 cars I'd love to own, and actually did regularly drive a Turbo R my friend bought in the early 2000's. Literally just a wall of torque when that turbo kicked in. The Lagonda is just crazy in EVERY department. Fell in love with them when reading the likes of Autocar and Motor in the 80's. There's really no other car can be compared to them. They're like a mad prototype that somehow made it to production

[@benofbrown]

Great video. I have a 1996 Turbo R, it's the same colour as that RT (Wildberry) though is the SWB version so 10cm shorter. It really is a lot of fun to drive, I love it. I do love the Lagondas too but way out of my price range

[@Number27]

The Bentley is really a much better car. I’d love to have one!!

[@terryhand]

At the time I thought the Lagonda was a monstrosity, but now I love it! Maybe that says something about the generic nature of modern car design.

[@hawthornselitelevel1220]

Thought the same! Time has has been very kind to it way more handsome than modern cars

[@stuartd9741]

Same. Always loved the asthetics of the Lagonda while playing top trump's. Seems so futuristic with the triple headlights per side. & That digital dash... In the 70s!

[@TheLambLive]

Except for the Estate version though,,, that's still one of the most hideous cars ever made 😁

[@ridgmont61]

I do think the Lagonda looks hideous- but a centre console fuse box is pure genius, but does suggest an expectation of needing to replace fuses frequently on those dodgy electrics. Aston Martin came a long way in the next 20 years.

[@voornaam3191]

Looks are absolutely irrelevant. Buy one, drive one and you'll prefer the interior over the exterior. It's just like good friends, you want CHARACTER and you don't mind if our good Lord did them a bit wrong, concerning their appearance. Right? In short, how short sighted are you?! Don't make me yell ugly things at you again, please.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Crazy that the much better car is way cheaper! Would much prefer the Bentley.

[@tides2002]

I see Aston raided the Austin Rover parts bin for the switch gear

[@Landshark928]

Wow that Lagonda has such a delicious oddball shape👏😃 retro scifi by now✌

[@stuartd9741]

Wow I'm surprised how much the Lagonda is liked. Judging by the comments. Seems to be liked more than the Bentley T. Although the Lagonda was a bit before my time I always liked the futuristic looks. Especially When playing top trump's. Didn't realize it had a digital dash in the 70s! The latter was futuristic in mates F reg Astra GTE he had in the early 90s. Although the Bentley T would be more of a car I'd still go for the Lagonda someone mentioned EV conversion perfect! Linear power for linear design! Interesting video..👍

[@simonhodgetts6530]

That Lagonda is awesome - also a game of spot the switchgear - the switches to the side of the instrument binnacle look like they’re from an Austin Metro! Fantastic review - thanks!

[@Number27]

Thank you for watching Simon!! 🙏

[@kevincollins1060]

Series 1 Lagonda is best looking, still looks so futuristic love it 😍 great video Jack 👍🏻

[@Number27]

Thank you Kevin, hope you have a great week!!

[@JamesSmith-vz8yr]

*Vacuum Flouresent Displays - VFDs.

[@amremotewatching]

William Towns designed an awful lot of "very low-polygon count" square and triangular cars! I well remember the Lagonda and Bulldog launches in the 70's. Maybe he did some moonlighting, designing cars for computer games in the late 80s ;-)

[@paulwhite2533]

so much better than the portly chap with the mike brewer hair, floral shirts and clarkson programming

[@markwoodley712]

I've only seen one Lagonda in Toronto in the late 1970's, driving around town. Striking yes, but an acquired taste at first sight. Prefer the Taraf's styling. Enjoyed the video.

[@2702simmo]

Cracking video again I enjoyed that I’d love both particularly the Lagonda Loved it when. It wiggled it’s feet 😂

[@kirkericson2722]

Nothing looks like the Lagonda. I remember reading about them when I was a kid, and they were like spaceships compared to other cars back then. You rarely ever see them for sale, but I believe they are several hundred thousand dollars for a good example at this point. I'd love to see one in person at some point.

[@kevincollins1060]

The series 1 lagonda looks the best, still looks so futuristic absolutely love it 🥰 great video Jack 👍🏻

[@chrismadge7292]

The Lagonda looks hideous IMHO! Each to their own :)

[@RevLexus]

I never knew about the series 1

[@noodlebike]

They should have called it the LEGO onda!

[@bikemike1118]

If you love „special“ and „crazy“ (in a positive sense of the word) …you will like the Lagonda!

[@johnireland1629]

That Bentley was very impressive. Good video. Very interesting. The Lagonda was what they call in American football, a "Hail Mary"...a last desperate try at success.

[@martinhogg5337]

Beautiful cars, great review! Very interesting!

[@Andy-From-England]

Never seen a Aston like that before Nice video Jack

[@benmarshall787]

Fabulous cars jack. Had a ride in a friend's Silver Spirit once, great experience and such torque, bearing in mind that was n/a!! The lagonda was fabulous, was so much so it should have had an appearance on a Moore 007 outing!!! The last model you tested was part of the Victor Gauntlett era, but also the beginnings of the Ford /PAG era. Though I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice the Metro fog and light buttons which is certainly a cheap solution to parts I suppose. The lagonda reminds me of the "times" of Concorde, and the Inter City 125 diesel locomotive which were all exciting British made products roughly all launched within a year or 2 of each other. Great video. Best wishes. Ben 🚌🚍🙏🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@MeTube3]

I used to see the Lagonda often, on Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell. Occasionally, on the annual Aston Martin open day I could get a close up look.

[@stevelyons3347]

That fuse box siting is a great idea

[@70053morayfirth]

Remember the mad steering wheel and dash layout of the first Lagonda? What a crazy, amazing car!

[@cambs0181]

Did you get a periscope with the Langonda to help you see over the dashboard?

[@solent7430]

Good to hear a mention of William Towns. He was quite an eccentric but visionary gent. There’s quite a few videos of him on here, well worth checking out.

[@wollaminfaetter]

Bonkers. Crazy. BUT!! If you are skilled in shaping of sheet metal, you can tell that the Lagonda's are absolutely 100% handmade. They are truely one-off's. I would go for the Bentley though!

[@lambd5578]

Great upload. Loved it. I personally would want the Lagonda as it looks so exotic. The Bentley is seriously amazing but was a bit disappointed looking at that unattractive centre panel in the headlining whilst you were driving. Great stuff. Thanks. I’d go AML.

[@heartytrucker]

Same switchgear in that lagonda as our metro. I know I shouldn't and it would probably be a nightmare but I love those weird things

[@paultaylor9652]

Great video Jack on two really bonkers cars made for the wealthy.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Great video Jack. The Lagonda is certainly distinctive both inside and out though looks will divide opinion. My vote goes to the RT as faster, will probably cost less to run as less complex and you can pick a decent one up for less than half the price of a Lagonda. The RT handles a lot better from RR's from this era which tended to be too soft and wallowy. Having said that, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one of my favorite cars from the 80s.

[@Lot76CARS]

Contemporaries but coming. from completely different directions. The Lagonda must have wowed the crowds at launch but even with dated tech it has huge appeal as it’s just so different. Thanks for bringing this to us as it’s the nearest most of us will get!

[@scottlehuray7062]

Something fantastic about that Aston, its way ahead of its time.

[@mgsrsparky6951]

Yes great video , always a soft spot for those cars , I’d take the Lagonda as it’s different.

[@busterboy7505]

Nice one Jack, I would go for the Bentley, only trouble is that the fuel bill, and service bill would be costly 🙁, but what luxury, 👍👍.

[@Number27]

Thanks for sticking with me and watching the vids BB!!

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this, well done video of two absolute classics but the Bentley in Turbo R or RT version is the one to drive and has so very much road presence. As with so very many of these "classics" upkeep and general running cost's can be a headache but once behind the wheel the downsides can be forgiven.

[@guerra963]

Wooow...Lovely...I like BOTH!

[@misterpeppercorn3078]

I bought a Mercedes e320 new in 2005. It's still my daily driver. It's a wonderful car and at my old age (74) I have no plans to buy another car. I have a close friend that has a 1990 Jaguar XJ. Not her daily driver. We took it out for a spin a couple of days ago and It seemed to be smoother and quieter on the road than my Mercedes. I love the Jag.

[@brianjohnson5789]

I saw the Duke of Westminster park his Lagonda up in the centre of Oxford, on double yellows, when a young copper went to find him to tell him to move he did as he was told, so funny to watch as a bystander

[@stuc6787]

I had no idea the Lagonda was produced as late as that. What a truly, fantastically odd car, especially as late as 1989/90!

[@stuartd9741]

I was thinking the same. G reg Lagonda?

[@dmcars147]

Two of my favorites and you managed to fine very nice ones at that! I think an SZ era Bentley would be a good next project!! Perhaps a Continental R??

[@SuperDirk1965]

I never saw any of those Lagondas going down the road. I saw some of them sit beside the road however, most of the time with the hood open. One I even saw sit in the middle of the road with the hood up.

[@nigelbond4056]

The Bentley’s wonderful, a real automotive icon. But I’d sell what’s left of my soul to own a Lagonda 😈

[@Number27]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Bentley is a better car but I know what you mean!

[@modernschoolatlas]

I was one of those people who saw a Lagonda going down the road in the 70s, it was straight out of Thunderbirds. Love it but still can't afford it.

[@dantheman7357]

Hello Jack, I hope you are well. The interior design and execution of the Bentley is just stunning!!!! If that car was half the size, half the weight, and 1/3 the price, I would need to own one for sure. Thanks for the great video. P.S. the body shape of the lagonda gives me a nervous twitch.

[@JamesSmith-vz8yr]

Jesus... That Aston is wonderful..

[@MrRicardo11]

I love the Lagonda completely bonkers but it is strangely beautiful. Automotive art.

[@steffydog]

Awesome, lovely to see those beauties from the past.

[@Number27]

Glad you enjoyed! Have a great week SteffyDog!

[@steves9905]

Gorgeous Bentley interior done in by the v6 mustang steering wheel

[@carlharvey7098]

Fantastic video review Jack 👍

[@rizmirza1829]

Great Video, I remember seeing a Lagonda on the road, just mind blowing. The stretched V8 Vantage looked really good, I'm sure they missed a trick.

[@Number27]

Thank for watching Riz!!

[@rizmirza1829]

@@Number27 In the 80s growing up in London my friend and I would go to Wimbledon Tennis just to see the gorgeous cars

[@joshb2812]

The Lagonda is so odd that I can’t help but love it Did anybody else notice the Volkswagen Jetta power window switch bank in it?

[@Number27]

No.. but good spot!

[@xetexuk12]

I was alsot t at the motor show 76 when utterly beautiful very elegant design

[@paulJkiely]

I love the Lagonda , it’s so Joe 90… I prefer the Series 4 with its rounded edges and came with a few improvements esp in the electronics and dashboard display as seen in this highly enjoyable video presentation …

[@super_slav91]

I have no idea why I love the lagonda but I love it, it's like the designer only had a ruler and that is it. Must be related to the Volvo designer.

[@andrewstones2921]

Omg that lagonda has Talbot Alpine switches above that trip computer.

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

I was very blessed to experience both of these new in dads home garage.. he use to prepare them for there owners.. as a child I always described the lagonda as a Rolls Royce that an elephant sat on!!.. this side by side confirmed my childhood brilliance 🙈😆

[@Number27]

Ha!! 😄😄😄 thanks for watching chap!!

[@valterrobalo7830]

Nice Cars 💪 Good job

[@giuliopedrali4794]

In my opinion the Lagonda is the most amazing car in the world, maybe first serie is better.

[@danduranduran]

I would love to see you or anyone review a Lagonda Tickford Limousine. Yes, it was a stretched wheelbase version of this car! I saw it once in the background of an episode of Miami Vice and have been obsessed ever since! Not much about it on the internet and haven't found video of it anywhere.

[@L_U-K_E]

Incredible looking.

[@lesklower7281]

Never got the Lagonda wasn't sold here there maybe a couple of privately imported ones about l have never seen one in the tin but the Bently turb R was sold here they are still around but still s lovely car so quiet

[@grayfool]

I remember quite clearly thinking the Lagonda was more like a four door Lamborghini than an Aston. Crazy looking car but sooo poorly developed. What a shame. I also remember Car magazine road tested a Bentley Turbo R. There was a picture of the front brakes very definitley on fire, according to the author they still worked! Only England could produce these cars.

[@lewis72]

The front centre console in the Lagonda looks very Blue Peter !

[@selwynandrews9665]

The Lagonda looks like it came from the pen of Harris Mann! Great video as always.

[@Number27]

Thank you chap!!

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

To think somebody is paying for a full restoration on a rusted out Lagonda and wants to convert it to electric that's crazier.

[@stuartd9741]

Will that be on an episode of vintage voltage? Why not. Electric Lagonda would suit it's angular lines. Think that Lagonda needs modern suspension and tyres would be fine car...

[@MarcosCodas]

Love it when vintage cars keep you humble haha.

[@Jonathan-dq8hb]

Evel Kenivel had a Logonda, slightly customized with analog gauges.