Aston Martin's secret SUV: Rare Lagonda LUV hits the market

The renowned DBX was not Aston Martin's initial venture into the SUV sector. The British brand had previously dabbled in this vehicle class, as evidenced by the conceptual Lagonda LUV.

This model first appeared in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, showcasing an innovative collaboration between Aston Martin and Mercedes. Unfortunately, this singular unit never made it to mass production. Mysteriously, rather than being displayed in a museum, it somehow found its way into private ownership.

The vehicle has recently been featured for sale on the Collecting Cars platform. This exceptional item offers an intriguing opportunity for collectors and aficionados of uncommon vehicles, although it does require some compromises.

The most significant of these is the absence of a roadworthiness certificate, meaning it's illegal to drive it on public roads. Also, despite its pristine condition, it’s improbable that anyone would attempt to drive it even on private property due to its previously unused (zero-mileage) status.

It’s quite a shame considering what lies dormant beneath the hood - a 5.9-liter V12 borrowed from the contemporary DB9. In terms of structure, the SUV is based on the Mercedes GL platform.

Perusing the images, one might contend that we're dealing with an almost ready-for-market vehicle. It's unfortunate that it never got its chance to compete, appearing long before the majority of sporty SUVs from rival companies.