Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale

The Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale was a striking concept car commissioned by Aston Martin Lagonda (AML) in 1993, when it was fully owned by Ford. The car was designed by Ghia Design, also part of the Ford family at the time, and was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show that year. The Vignale’s exterior design was the work of Moray Callum, which is a fascinating coincidence as the 1993 Geneva Salon also marked the debut of the DB7, designed by Moray’s brother, Ian Callum. This concept car, with its bold and elegant lines, was built on a Lincoln chassis, featuring independent front suspension and a solid self-leveling rear suspension system. Powered by a 4.6-liter Lincoln Town Car V8 engine producing 190 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Vignale was a far cry from the typical Aston Martin experience. In fact, the production version, had it been realized, was set to feature an entirely different specification, including a lightweight extruded aluminum chassis, fully independent suspension, and a 6.0-liter V12 engine—elements that closely mirrored those found in the V12 Vanquish, which would later become an iconic model for Aston Martin. Though it never reached production, the Lagonda Vignale was an extraordinary concept, combining luxury and innovation in a way few cars could match. A total of three cars were built, with one slated for destruction and the remaining two sold to private collectors. Notably, one of these cars found its way into the collection of the Brunei Royal Family. This particular car was unique, finished in a striking brown color and fitted with a V12 Jaguar engine, unlike the other two cars, which were powered by the Ford V8. The Brunei car also featured several bespoke touches, such as a personalized grille, highlighting the family’s penchant for customization and exclusivity.