All shipping, paperwork, costs and VAT will be organised and paid for by the seller
What you bid is what you will pay for the car to be correctly imported to the UK
If you are looking to ship to another country, please enquire
The Appeal
There’s always an air of quiet confidence about British sporting motorcars of the 1950s. This was perhaps the heyday of the industry, which produced some truly fantastic results such as this Lagonda.
The 3 Litre was Lagonda’s second post-war model and it was certainly a capable motorcar. Its twin-cam straight-six engine propelled the car to 104 mph, which was a respectable achievement in the 1950s.
Particularly rare are the convertible, or drophead coupé, 3 Litres, with only around 55 believed to have been produced.. The body is by Tickford and it looks particularly sleek and stylish. This particular Lagonda is presented in excellent condition throughout, with lovely paintwork and a wonderfully original interior.
This rare piece of art is being offered for sale by one of our most trusted sellers from South Africa who regularly imports cars to the UK. They will handle all of the shipping, import and related costs for the new buyer. They estimate that it should only take 2-4 weeks for the car to arrive in the UK.
We have also checked the DVLA system and the car is still registered on there so it should not take any effort to apply for a new V5 in the buyers name. IMG_9227.JPG2.92 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1953
Comes with an original instruction book
Workshop manual for the Lagonda 2.6 and 3 Litre models
An original Johnston’s Motoring and Journeying Map of England and Wales
This Lagonda is a very luxuriously appointed car by the standards of the early 1950s. The rear-hinged doors afford ease of of ingress and egress and lead into a world of warmly patinated leather. The deep red of the leather upholstery is continued onto the door cards, which feature luxuries such as adjustable armrests and storage bins.
The seats appear to be supportive and remain in excellent condition throughout. Their leather covers exhibit only gentle creasing and there doesn’t seem to be damage of any significance to be found, despite their reported originality.
In front of the driver is a large wooden rimmed steering wheel, with its gently mellowed bakelite centre boss and horn push exhibiting just the right amount of patina. And the dashboard itself is swathed in dramatically figured veneer, features dark spalting lines and intricate grain patterns.
A full array of instruments keeps the driver up to date with the car’s condition and performance, and the knobs, switches and sliders are all pleasingly tactile. Particularly notable in a car of the 1950s is the presence of a radio: this being a His Master’s Voice unit, displaying the famous logo of a dog and gramophone etched into the central button.
The carpeting throughout is in good condition and the car has a spacious boot to the rear. This comes with a full size spare wheel and a starting handle, clipped into place.
With its sleek design and fabulous drophead roof, this Lagonda has everything the sporting motorist of the 1950s could have desired. Its silver paint appears to be in excellent condition throughout, with hardly a scratch or blemish to be found on it.
The body is similarly good, and appears to have survived the past seven decades with little drama. The only issue we could find is a small dip in the bootlid, which doesn’t even appear to have upset the paint.
The trim all looks very presentable, with the chrome plating in good condition for its age and showing only gentle pitting. Overriders would originally have been fitted to the bumpers, but these are no longer present. The lamp lenses appear to be clear and bright and the badges proudly declare that this Lagonda is fitted with Tickford coachwork.
Underneath, the cruciform chassis looks to be in tidy condition. And the car runs on nicely colour-matched steel wheels, with chrome hubcaps and trims and Avon tyres.
W. O. Bentley — yes, the Mr Bentley — was employed by Lagonda after Bentley Motors was purchased by Rolls-Royce. Here, he played a major role in the design of the straight-six engine fitted to the first post war Lagonda, the 2.6 litre. This engine was enlarged to three litres and fitted to the next model released, the three litre.
Lifting the long bonnet of this car reveals the engine bay to be in very clean condition, with the twin-cam engine proudly on display. It is a thing of beauty, with plenty of polished aluminium on display.
The chassis was also designed by Bentley and the car can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph, which allows it to be driven very happily among modern traffic. It is a very capable motorcar, especially when you consider that it is nearly seventy years old.
With so few of these drophead coupés having been produced, and even fewer surviving to this day, it is a real privilege to be able to offer one of these rare motorcars for sale. This is a great example of a luxury sports car, with beautiful lines and the performance to match.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
