Lagonda is a British luxury car brand founded in 1906. Owned by the Aston Martin group since 1947, the luxury car brand has a rich history that reflects its commitment to environmental consciousness. The logo of Lagonda represents a significant phase in the company’s journey. This article explores the evolution of the Lagonda logo from its inception to its modern incarnation over the years.
The Genesis of the Lagonda Logo (1906 – Present)
The original Lagonda logo featured a striking winged design in silver colour, which was common among early automotive brands. The logo consisted of a pair of stylised wings spread outward, the word “LAGONDA” written in bold, uppercase letters, and a central shield or crest. Here, the wings symbolised speed, freedom, and the aspirational nature of early automobiles. This design reflected the era’s fascination with aviation and the desire to associate cars with the excitement of flight.
Aston Martin Era (1947-1969)
In 1947, Aston Martin purchased the Lagonda marque. The Lagonda logo during this period was similar to the Aston Martin logo and featured a pair of metallic silver wings. The brand name “LAGONDA” was etched at the centre in a metallic colour and set against a deep brown background. And just above the Lagonde brand name was mentioned “ASTON MARTIN” on both sides of an arched geometric figure, on epaulettes.
This logo was used until 1969, when the Lagonda name briefly returned on a prototype of the Aston Martin DBS. This logo represents the speed, agility, and luxury that have defined the Lagonda brand since its inception in 1906.
The Elements of the Lagonda Logo
Symbol
Wings
The centrepiece of the Lagonda logo is a stylised wings emblem. This design element symbolises luxury and performance, which are related to aviation and speed. The wings are crafted with aerodynamic silver curves that suggest velocity and elegance. They align with the brand’s high-performance automotive heritage.
Shield
The logo is often framed within a shield-like shape, which adds a sense of strength and prestige. This design choice conveys a feeling of protection and exclusivity, qualities that are highly valued in luxury vehicles.
Font
The font used for the “Lagonda” name is typically bold, sans-serif, which ensures readability while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The clean lines of the font complement the sleek design of the wings and create a harmonious visual balance. This choice reflects contemporary design trends while paying homage to the rich legacy of the brand.
Colour
The predominant colour in the Lagonda logo is metallic silver, which enhances its luxurious appearance and aligns with the high-end materials used in Lagonda vehicles. The silver colour is often accompanied by gradients of grey, white, and black, thereby adding depth and dimension to the logo.
The use of dark blue or black backgrounds in some applications helps to make the silver wings and text stand out prominently. This contrast not only improves visibility but also reinforces the sophisticated image of the brand.
The History of Lagonda
Lagonda was established in 1906 in Staines, England, by Wilbur Gunn, an American opera singer turned engineer. The company’s name was inspired by the Lagonda Creek near Springfield, Ohio, the birthplace of Gunn. Initially focused on manufacturing lightweight motorcycles, Lagonda swiftly transitioned to automobile production in 1907 with the introduction of the 20-hp Torpedo. By the 1920s, Lagonda had firmly positioned itself in the luxury vehicle market. The company gained recognition for models such as the 16/65 and the 2-litre Speed, which were celebrated for their exceptional engineering and stylish design.
The 1930s marked a significant era for Lagonda. In 1935, the company achieved a major milestone when its M45 model clinched victory at the prestigious Le Mans race. This period also saw the introduction of the iconic V12 model, designed by the renowned W.O. Bentley, which became a symbol of luxury and high performance. Despite these successes, Lagonda faced financial difficulties, which led to its acquisition by Alan Good in 1935. Good’s strategic move to bring W.O. Bentley on board as a designer proved beneficial for the company’s engineering prowess.
The Second World War significantly impacted Lagonda’s operations, with the company redirecting its efforts to support the war. The post-war period presented challenges as Lagonda struggled to re-establish its position in the luxury car market. In 1947, David Brown, who had recently acquired Aston Martin, purchased Lagonda. Brown’s primary interest was in Lagonda’s 2.6-litre engine, which was designed by W.O. Bentley. This engine was subsequently used in the first post-war Aston Martins.
Under Brown’s ownership, Lagonda continued to produce notable models, including the Rapide in the 1960s. However, the brand often found itself overshadowed by its sister company, Aston Martin. The 1970s and 1980s were a period of identity fluctuation for Lagonda. The company made bold attempts to revitalise its brand, most notably with the introduction of the futuristic Aston Martin Lagonda saloon. This avant-garde model featured cutting-edge technology for its time but achieved limited commercial success.
In recent years, Aston Martin has repositioned Lagonda as a luxury electric vehicle brand. This strategic move aligns with the growing demand for sustainable luxury cars in the automotive industry. Lagonda has announced plans to develop all-electric models, as exemplified by concepts like the Lagonda All-Terrain. Today, Lagonda stands at the cusp of its rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach to automotive luxury.
The brand is focused on creating zero-emission vehicles that combine elegant design with advanced technology. This new direction represents Lagonda’s commitment to redefining luxury in the electric era. In doing so, Lagonda aims to establish itself as a pioneer in manufacturing sustainable, high-end automobiles.
As Lagonda moves into the future, it carries with it over a century of automotive history. The brand blends its legacy of engineering excellence with innovative, environmentally conscious designs. Its evolution from its humble beginnings to its current status in the electric luxury vehicles reflects its enduring ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-changing automotive landscape.
Interesting Facts About Lagonda
- The Lagonda brand was founded in 1906, and in 1947 it was taken over by Aston Martin.
- The name Lagonda has been taken from a river near the home of the founder, Wilbur Gunn.
- The Lagonda brand has remained dormant for several years.
- During the 1930s, the Lagonda Rapide V12 used to be the most expensive car sold in the USA.
- The Lagonda is known to have featured a digital instrument panel, which was a groundbreaking innovation of the time.
- In 2014, Aston Martin launched the Lagonda Taraf, a luxury saloon costing 1 million pounds and targeted for the Middle Eastern market.
- The Lagonda saloon was manufactured from 1974 to 1990 to help Aston Martin tide over its financial difficulties.
- The Lagonda brand was established on the works of a company called Newport Pagnell, which built customised motor coachwork from 1898.
- During the Second World War, Lagonda made artillery and flamethrowing technology for armoured vehicles.
- The founder of Lagoda, Wilbur Gunn, was a former opera singer turned engineer.
- The original Aston Martin Lagonda was launched at the London Motor Show in 1974.
Finally
The evolution of the Lagonda logo shows the journey of the brand through its automotive history. From its winged origins to its current minimalist design, each version of the emblem has captured the essence of its era while maintaining a connection to the rich heritage of Lagonda.