MP230 V8 Lagonda prototype
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MP230 V8 Lagonda prototype

MP230 V8 Lagonda prototype

MP230/1

(1969)

When William Towns styled the DBS, he simultaneously worked on both a two door and four door versions of the same car; an excellent time saving idea. Indeed there is evidence that the four door was designed first with the much more familiar two door being a shortened version. This, it is said, explains the 'peak' at the rear of the roofline of the two door car. The first car to carry the Lagonda badge since the Rapide, six years previously, was DBS in appearance with an extra foot in the wheelbase and an additional pair of doors for rear passengers.

MP230 V8 Lagonda prototype

The prototype car was built as a luxury saloon for the personal use of the Sir David Brown during 1969 and despite the wire wheels, was originally fitted with a 5 litre prototype of the V8 engine (now replaced by a production 5.3 litre). GKN Alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes were a later addition. The car was painted in Sir David’s personal colour of Roman Purple and was upholstered in period red coloured velour.  Subsequently the Lagonda been repainted dark blue and the velour replaced by more traditional leather.

dbs_v8_4door_1 lagonda
dbs_v8_4door_2 lagonda
dbs_v8_4door_3 lagonda
dbs_v8_4door_4 lagonda

The V8 Lagonda remains unique. The production version of the car was not offered for sale until 1974 with the introduction of the rare V8 Lagonda.