Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

2 1 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I I f you love things of quality, particularly in the world of motoring, you’ll doubtlessly be familiar with the name Aston Martin. Similarly you should have heard a name or two that can be comfortably mentioned in the same breath. Zagato, possibly. Lagonda, for sure. Steeped in history, the legendary Lagonda name is synonymous with the quality, coachbuilt and even more handcrafted wing of Aston Martin, and it adorns some of the most stunning and truly memorable vehicles to have graced the roads in the past century. Founded in 1906 and owned exclusively by AstonMartin since 1947, Lagonda simply stands for luxury and exclusivity. It is so exclusive, in fact, that I’m having to base this “review” on photographs and information supplied by Aston Martin, rather than anything as vulgar as actually getting my hands on their latest creation! That is a little unfair of course, as the Lagonda for 2015 and beyond only exists at present as a pre-production model, with orders being taken solely for the Middle Eastern market. By invitation only, naturally. While the exact details of the Lagonda exterior are still unknown, it’s clear to see from the photographs given to me that this all-newmodel bears some unmistakably AstonMartin design elements and details. The signature grille is present and perfectly correct, while the distinctive ridges on the bonnet hint at the power beneath. The slimline headlights are a new development but add an aggressive air that sits well with the sporting nature of this luxury saloon and, to my eyes, share a family resemblance with the William Towns-designed Aston Martin Lagonda that existed between 1976 and 1990. The heat-extracting vents on this car’s front wings with the chrome strikethrough continuing into the front doors are an Aston Martin staple and, as such, they carry on the lineage that’s so important on vehicles of this class. Equally sparkling chrome frames the windows and picks out the flush fitting door handles to complete the look. Continuing the journey along the flanks and round to the rear of the car, it’s impossible to miss the spoiler gracing the edge of the bootlid, no matter how subtle the designers made it. It’s