1963 Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide Saloon
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. LR/149/R
Engine no. 400/149

One of only 55 Lagonda Rapides built, almost all of which were equipped with Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission, chassis number '149' was sold new to one M M Green of Hampstead Garden Suburb, London N2 on 11th November 1963 finished in Dubonnet. Service history with Aston Martin is on file until 1969, when the car was showing nearly 100,000 miles. A rare, manual transmission example, the car is understood to have been advertised for sale in the Aston Martin News Sheet in 1988 as 'a genuine 100,045-mile Rapide, two owners, stored on blocks for 15 years' and was purchased by the immediately preceding owner from the seller, one M J Cobb of East Grinstead.

In 1990 the Rapide was sent to Goldsmith & Young where it was restored between 1994 and 1996 at a cost approaching £60,000. Work undertaken it is understood included an engine rebuild and enlargement to 4.2 litres incorporating Cosworth pistons and an unleaded conversion; body and chassis renovation; interior re-trim and installation of inertia-reel seatbelts; rear axle/differential overhaul; suspension and brake rebuild; and complete rewiring. Post completion, the car achieved 2nd place awards at the AMOC's Beaulieu (1996) and Cornbury (1997) concours events.

The Rapide was next serviced by Ian Mason in 1999 and underwent a braking system overhaul at Oselli in 2005 following several years of no use. The car was purchased by the current owner from Bonhams' sale at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2008 (Lot 323) and exported from the UK, since when it has been kept in storage. Re-commissioning will be required before it returns to the road. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the 2008 auction catalogue description, purchase invoice and correspondence.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers. Please note that this vehicle is not offered with a registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.