DP2034/1 2-door Lagonda Virage Mule
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DP2034/1 2-door Lagonda Virage Mule

DP2034/1 2-door Lagonda Virage Mule

(1987)

By the mid 1980s the AMV8AMV8 was really starting to show its age. It will have been a super human effort for all concerned to introduce an almost all-new replacement, the Virage. In order to develop the new car, the first Virage prototype, DP2034/1 was disguised as a 2 door restyled Lagonda. This mule was clever insomuch as it promoted the new car without actually revelling the styling. Sales of the older AMV8 weren't particularly affected in part due to a surge in interest and demand for exotic cars due to the mid 80's boom and also that AML were offering a diverse and interesting range including the V8 Vantage VolanteV8  the ZagatoZagato and the restyled Lagonda.  

DP2034/1 2-door Lagonda Virage Mule

Once AML engineering team had finished with DP2034/1, the car eventually crossed over Tickford Street to Works Service where is was comprehensively rebuilt, fully finished, painted, trimmed and sold to an overseas collector. Keith Riddington of Classicmobila has allowed me to use his colour period image of the car, circa 1993.

Mule Virage DP2034 Lagonda 1987 rebuilt
Mule Virage DP2034 Lagonda 1987 rebuilt 2
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The car has quite an unusual and unique appearance and not just because of the two door coachwork. Whilst the six fixed headlamps and rear lights are straight from the 1987 facelift Lagonda (series 4), the side profile has retained the side crease of the original design. Now fitted with the same split-rim as the Virage 6.3 litre Coupe, the wheel arches have quite a pronounced lip.

In 2023, the long term owner of the 2-door Lagonda Virage mule decided to offer the car for sale by auction by Bonhams at their Goodwood Revival sale. I was able to see the car prior to the auction when it was shown for the first time in the UK for 30 years at the AMHT Festival held at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.