The Return of a Legend
In the world of high-end automotive collecting, few names carry the weight and historical gravitas of the Lagonda badge. When Aston Martin announced the revival of the nameplate with the 2017 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf, the industry was caught off guard by its audacity and sheer exclusivity. Now, a near-mint example with less than 500 miles is hitting the block at the 2026 Amelia Concours Auction, offering collectors a rare window into a bygone era of bespoke manufacturing. The Taraf, which means ‘ultimate’ in Arabic, was originally intended to be a Middle East exclusive. However, demand was so high that Aston Martin eventually opened the order books to global markets. Production was capped at an incredibly low number, making this limited-edition sedan a true unicorn in the modern automotive landscape. An interesting piece of lore regarding the Taraf is that it was assembled in the same specialized facility that once birthed the One-77 supercar, ensuring that every panel was aligned by the most skilled artisans in Gaydon.
Design and Exterior Presence
The exterior of the Taraf is a masterclass in modernist luxury design. Drawing heavy inspiration from the iconic William Towns-designed Lagonda of the 1970s, the Taraf features a razor-sharp profile that stands in stark contrast to the rounded, organic shapes of contemporary luxury cars. Its imposing silhouette is defined by a long, low hood and a tapered greenhouse that exudes elegance from every angle. Every panel on the Taraf is crafted from carbon fiber, ensuring that this massive machine remains as agile as possible. The front fascia is dominated by the signature Aston Martin grille, though it is stretched and integrated into a unique lighting signature that sets it apart from the Vantage or DB11. The bespoke paintwork on this specific auction example appears to be in factory-fresh condition, highlighting the meticulous care the original owner took with this machine. The aggressive stance is complemented by custom-forged alloy wheels that hide massive ceramic brakes, a necessary addition for a car with such immense capability.
Interior Craftsmanship and Infotainment
Stepping inside the cabin of the 2017 Lagonda Taraf is akin to entering a private jet. Aston Martin pulled out all the stops, utilizing the finest hand-stitched leather, polished carbon fiber, and rare wood veneers. The attention to detail is staggering, with every surface designed to provide a tactile experience that justifies its seven-figure price tag. While the interior layout reflects the technological constraints of the mid-2010s, it remains a functional and luxurious space. The infotainment system, while shared with other Aston Martin products of the era, is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. It offers essential connectivity and navigation, though the real focus here is on the rear-seat experience. Passengers are treated to a lounge-like environment with ample legroom and individual climate controls, perfect for long-distance cruising. The audio system, tuned specifically for the cabin’s unique acoustics, provides a concert-hall experience that remains unmatched in the segment.
Powertrain and Performance
Beneath the long, sculpted bonnet lies the heart of a beast: a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine. This masterpiece of engineering is synonymous with the golden age of Aston Martin performance. It produces a sonorous exhaust note that is instantly recognizable, delivering a smooth power delivery that is perfectly suited for a grand tourer of this stature. The power is routed through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides crisp shifts in sport mode and buttery smooth transitions in comfort mode. Despite its size, the rear-wheel drive platform ensures that the Taraf remains engaging to drive on winding coastal roads. It is not a track car, but rather a high-speed cruiser designed to devour continents with effortless grace. The chassis tuning is particularly impressive, utilizing advanced adaptive damping to isolate occupants from road imperfections while maintaining a composed connection to the tarmac. This car represents the final, most refined evolution of the AM11 engine architecture before the transition to turbocharged units.
The Legacy of the Taraf
The development of the Taraf was a bold gamble for Aston Martin. It was designed to compete with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Bentley Mulsanne, but it offered something those cars could not: the exclusivity of a boutique-built supercar disguised as a luxury sedan. It stands as a testament to the Q by Aston Martin division’s ability to create truly personalized, one-off automotive art. As it heads to the Amelia Concours Auction, the Taraf serves as a reminder of a time when manufacturers were willing to take risks on niche, ultra-luxury vehicles. Whether it serves as a centerpiece for a private collection or a weekend driver for a connoisseur, the 2017 Lagonda Taraf is undeniably a modern classic that will only appreciate in value over the coming decades. It is a car that transcends mere transportation, acting as a functional sculpture that captures the spirit of British high-performance luxury at its absolute zenith. Collectors looking for a vehicle with provenance, performance, and peerless styling need look no further than this exceptional, low-mileage specimen.
Vehicle Specifications
- Powertrain: 6.0-liter Naturally Aspirated V12
- Output/Torque: 540 horsepower / 465 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Battery/Range: Not applicable
- Curb Weight: 4,400 lbs
- 0-100 km/h: 4.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 195 mph
- Dimensions: Length: 5,396 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,189 mm
Key Keywords
- 2017 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf
- Aston Martin luxury sedan
- Amelia Concours auction
- rare exotic cars
- V12 luxury cars
- collectible Aston Martin
* Source: Latest Content – Car and Driver