Description
This car is Lot 438 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Beaulieu Sale on 6 September, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday 5 September from 10:00 until 17:00 and Saturday 6 September from 08:30 until 17:00 at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
Lot 438
1951 Lagonda 2. 6-Litre Saloon
Registration no. not UK registered (see text)
Chassis no. LAG-50372
One of only 510 2. 6-Litre models made
Arguably the last 'real' Lagonda
Delivered new to Jersey
Present ownership since 2010
The David Brown organisation's take-over of Lagonda in 1947 allowed production of the latter's W O Bentley-designed all-new model to commence the following year, and at the same time made Lagonda's 2. 6-litre twin-cam 'six' available for the new Aston Martins. An advanced design employing a cruciform-braced chassis with independent suspension all round, the Lagonda was available as a saloon or drophead coupé, both with coachbuilt bodies. The interior with its leather upholstery, plentiful walnut and quality fittings stood comparison with that of the very best in the luxury car class. A Mark 2 version arrived in the autumn of 1952 boasting revisions to body and interior, as well as a Jackall self-jacking system.
Coachbuilders Tickford of Newport Pagnell had begun to play an increasingly important role as body suppliers during manufacture of the 2. 6-Litre, and when the new 3-Litre model was announced in 1953 they assumed sole responsibility for body production of the two models offered initially - a two-door saloon and drophead coupé - and that of the four-door saloon that followed. The newly enlarged engine now produced 140bhp, an output good enough for a top speed in excess of 100mph despite the gain in weight over the '2. 6'. In October 1955 a revised Mark 2 model was introduced and the range reduced to the four-door saloon only after a mere five Mark 2s had been built as dropheads. Expensive to produce and necessarily exclusive, the luxurious Lagondas did not sell as well as their manufacturer had hoped, though high-profile owners included HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (who had two dropheads) and actor Peter Ustinov (just the one). Only 510 2. 6-Litre and 244 3-Litre models had been made by the time production ceased in 1958.
This 2. 6-Litre model was first registered to a Mrs Elizabeth Obbard of Samarès Manor, Jersey, Channel Islands in October 1951 with the local registration 'J 2427'. The car returned to the UK mainland in 1978. The current owner purchased the Lagonda in the UK from Ecurie Bertelli in 2010. Ahead of sale, the Lagonda has been lightly recommissioned, although we would advise close inspection before returning to the road for regular use. The recommissioning consisted of the fuel pump being replaced; fuel filter replaced; fuel pipes replaced; carburettor rebuilt; brakes inspected and checked; clutch inspected and checked; and a new battery installed.
The purchase invoice is on file and the car also comes with parts invoices dated 2007; a list of works carried out in 2010; historical maintenance invoices; some old MoT certificates; and a V5 registration document (the car is listed as 'exported' in the DVLA database).
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
