Lagonda Rapide Lagonda, a British luxury car brand founded in 1906, was acquired in 1947, along with Aston Martin, by David Brown. The two brands would operate together under the umbrella of “Aston Martin Lagonda Limited.” The Lagonda brand was assigned the task of producing four-door vehicles with a less sporty character than Aston Martins. Sales were low, but David Brown always had a soft spot for the brand. In 1961, the DB4 was used as the basis for the Lagonda Rapide, of which 55 units were produced between 1961 and 1964.