1979 Aston Martin Lagonda

The earliest guise of the William Towns Lagonda retains a headturning aura few other cars have achieved down the decades. With its superbly chiselled looks and generous proportions, it draws stares just as much now as when it was launched. This no-reserve model had been completely rebuilt by Aston Martin in 1986, since when it had put 4200 miles under its wheels. The gold metallic paint was micro-blistered and the sills clearly needed attention. The interior wasn’t too bad, though – nothing that a serious professional valeting couldn’t successfully tackle. But with this model’s electrical complexity, serious funds would have to be set aside for circuitry and the other recommissioning required.