Highlights
- Unused for the past fifty years, this Lagonda has recently been unearthed
- In beautifully original condition with excellent patina
- Said to be complete, and having been in running order when it was laid up
The Appeal
If you had happened to be in Cape Town in the early 1950s you might have come across a Lagonda, very similar to this one, being driven at pace by a 22-year-old gentleman. Except you’d notice that it didn’t have a bonnet, wings, windscreen and had various pieces of wood in place of suspension components. This is because the car had just successfully been driven the entire length of Africa, from Algiers to Cape Town.
Most people wouldn’t attempt this journey in a far more modern car, let alone a light car from the early 1920s. So it’s a testament to the rugged construction of this little car, being able to cross deserts and rivers and survive thousands of miles of rutted roads and tracks.
The Lagonda offered here hasn’t been driven across any continents, instead it has spent the past five decades stored in a barn, unused. It is remarkable to think that when this car was rolled into that barn fifty years ago, it was already over fifty years old.
Now presented in superb ‘oily rag’ condition, this Lagonda is begging for the light-touch approach in order to preserve its remarkable originality and patina, while giving its mechanical components a new lease of life. However this little car is restored and preserved by its new owner, it’ll make a charming Light car which will be welcomed at all manner of events far and wide.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 14th January 1921 in Lincolnshire
- The first owner kept the car until July 1952
- It was then sold to a Mr Grundy of Grimsby in 1961
- Ownership transferred to his wife in 1964
- The current owner then purchased the car in 1972
- It is said to have remained unused during their ownership
- It has only recently been unearthed in November 2022
- The original buff logbook accompanies the car
- It has never had a V5 registered to it, so this will need to be applied for
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- An original handwritten letter from 1963 accompanies the car
- Car number 2291, engine number GS5333
- The Lagonda Owner’s Club have plenty of information on the model available
The Interior
- Exceptionally original throughout
- The word ‘patina’ doesn’t do this car justice, it’s beautifully original and wonderfully preserved
- The buttoned leather seat upholstery looks fragile but restorable
- There is a layer of surface corrosion on the exposed metal pieces
- Only the bare essentials are fitted to the dashboard: a CAV ammeter, three light switches and a flower vase
- The controls are simple, with small quadrant hand levers mounted on the steering column
- Pedals arranged with a centre throttle
- The small diameter of the steering wheel reveals just how light this car is
- A bulb horn protrudes through the bulkhead, it still gives a strong ‘parp’
- An electric horn button has been added to one of the spokes of the steering wheel
- Rear dickey seat for occasional use
- The hinges are in need of attention
- The windows raise and lower, with knurled brass knobs to clamp them in position
The Exterior
- In charmingly original condition
- Features the more angular radiator of the early 11hp Lagondas
- Drophead coupé body with dickey seat
- The hood is still able to be raised and lowered, giving excellent weather protection compared with other early light cars
- The rear window has become yellowed and cloudy
- A little corrosion visible in the rear wings
- The paint has gently aged over the years
- Some flaking on top of the bonnet
- Artillery wheels
- Electric lighting, including a single tail lamp
The Mechanics
- Mechanically very advanced for a light car of the early 1920s
- Overhead inlet valves operated by pushrods and long rockers
- Cooling by thermosyphon
- Magneto ignition
- Suspension by transverse semi elliptic spring on the front axle and quarter elliptics at the rear
- Rear wheel brakes only, with a transmission brake as well
- A light film of surface corrosion covers the drivetrain components
- The engine is said to have been complete and running when the car was parked fifty years ago
- The car is said to roll freely and the cable operated brakes work
- A full mechanical inspection will be required to determine the best course of action in order to return the car to running condition
Summary
There’s something indescribably alluring about a car which has laid undisturbed for five decades, especially if it was already considered an antique when it was stored. The next owner will have the privilege of preserving this car’s originality and bringing it back to working condition.
A fine candidate for use in various ‘light car’ events, this Lagonda will provide its next custodian with an inimitable introduction to the world of vintage motoring.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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