Zagato Lagonda Rapide DP2051
Zagato Lagonda Rapide DP2051

Zagato Lagonda Rapide DP2051

(1988)

Following on from the success of the Zagato bodied V8 Vantage and Volante, the Italian Carrozzeria went on to unveil a concept at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show known as the Zagato Lagonda Rapide. The company had obtained an engineless unnumbered rolling chassis from AML, possibly the missing #13595 although we will never know for sure. This was shortened and fitted with angular 2 door saloon hollow body structure made up of steel tubing, plywood, expanded foam and body filler with painted on windows rather than glass. 

Zagato Lagonda Rapide DP2051

Purported to be powered by an Aston Martin V8 engine although there was no reason for an engine to be fitted as the car was only a rolling shell. It was rather a benign design except for an awkward downward kink in the window line just behind the ‘A’ pillar. This gave it a somewhat broken back appearance which may have halted any possible production plans.

The car still survives in a private collection.