Traditionally, Aston Martin had worked on two door sports cars but the Lagonda was a four-door saloon which utilized the 5430cc Tadek Merak designed V8 engine that was being used in the current Aston Martin V8 models. As soon as it was introduced, it drew in hundreds of deposits from potential customers and in so doing, helped Aston Martin's finances. The car was designed by William Towns in an extreme interpretation of the classic 1970s "folded paper" style. It was as unconventional a design then as it is now and even today car enthusiasts are fiercely divided on the car's aesthetic value. Throughout the history of the marque, these hand-built Lagonda's were amongst the most expensive saloons in the world.

++ More at http://theastonmartinreview.blogspot.com/2010/12/auction-lot-25-1985-aston-martin.html