Beschreibung
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
14th June, 2023 13:00
1930 Lagonda 2 Litre Low Chassis Speed Model Tourer
Estimate
£80, 000 - £100, 000
Registration No: RF 7829
Chassis No: OH9782
MOT: Exempt
A fine and original example of a low-chassis 2-litre speed model
Remaining in the King family ownership for 67 years
Regular maintenance has been undertaken by Mike Morgan (Wilton-Morgan Engineering, Berkshire)
Over 60 items of spares accompany the car in the sale
Regular use, including trips to VSCC events at Silverstone (entered for only one competition, at Brands Hatch
We are indebted to the vendor for the following description:
RF 7829 is a fine and original example of a low-chassis 2-litre speed model Lagonda tourer. It was registered at the Lagonda factory in Staines in November 1930, and originally supercharged. The supercharger was removed in its early history, prior to John King (1928-2019) purchasing the car in 1956 (original receipt for £165. 00 and letter from previous owner on file). It has remained in the King family ownership for 67 years.
Despite purchasing RF 7829 in a well-worn condition, John and his younger brother immediately drove the car from South London to Fort William in Scotland. On the return journey, the engine failed and the car was towed to a garage in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. It was fitted with new chains, but a few miles further on a front mudguard broke off and flew into the hedge, and John decided on a complete renovation. Renting a garage close to his family home in South Norwood, he fully dismantled the car, employing skills acquired as a trainee mechanic after leaving school and subsequently as a telecoms engineer, and from a number of previous car and motorcycle projects. The work took 5 years and was completed in 1961, and included a re-commissioned engine, black leather-cloth on the body, crimson painted wheels and matching red upholstery. The same colours remain today.
John carried out all maintenance until prevented by poor health in the last few years of his life. One of the last major projects he undertook was to renew the external leather-cloth, which remains in immaculate condition. Since then, regular maintenance has principally been undertaken by Mike Morgan (Wilton-Morgan Engineering, Berkshire). Work in more recent years has included an engine and clutch overhaul (late 2000s), replacement hood and carpets, the addition of discreet indicators and cooling fan, and Blockley tyres. The car comes with a comprehensive collection of receipts and correspondence relating to work completed, along with instruction manuals and John’s own notes.
During the initial restoration in the late 1950s, John purchased a second 2-litre low chassis Lagonda (XV 3502) for spares. This and subsequent purchases has resulted in a collection of over 60 items which are included in the sale (and available for collection from the vendor by the successful purchaser), comprising an engine block and cylinder head, rear axle, a complete replacement set of gears, oil pump and filter, oak dashboard, steering wheel and Marles steering box. Many of the items are not currently available as new parts from the Lagonda Club.
RF 7829 – a “wonderful companion”, as described by John – has been kept in good running condition through light but regular use, including trips to VSCC events at Silverstone (entered for only one competition, at Brands Hatch), local outings from the family home in Croydon, and weddings for friends and family, including John’s own in Plymouth in 1972.
The bodywork, paintwork, interior, engine and transmission are currently rated as “very good” and the car is offered with a Swansea V5C registration document and aforementioned spares which, as stated above, will be available for collection from the vendor.
