Description
1933 Lagonda M45 4½-Litre Tourer
Coachwork by Vanden Plas
Registration no. AXR 522
Chassis no. 210650
* An older (1980s/ 1990s) restoration
* Engine professionally rebuilt in 1994/ 1995
* Strong history file
Footnotes
"A short run on one of the first of the 4½-Litre Lagonda models, with an open four-seater body, left a vivid impression not only of brilliant acceleration and sheer performance, but of a car delightfully silent and easy running in a way that can be achieved to the fullest extent only by a big-engined machine working well inside its limits." - The Autocar in 1933.
A fine example of this elegant and very British, post-Vintage thoroughbred, chassis number 'Z10650' was supplied new via Mann Egerton & Company and despatched on 18th December 1933 to coachbuilders Vanden Plas for its four-seat sports-tourer body to be fitted. This work was completed on 17th February 1934 at a cost of £229 8s 9d. We understand that the car was originally liveried in grey lined with rose pink, a colour keyed to its interior upholstery and selected for the rather bizarre reason that it matched an eiderdown belonging to the original customer. The car is illustrated on page 174 of the book Vanden Plas by Brian Smith. It seems this might be the only car bodied by Vanden Plas with this type of body.
In February 1992 the Lagonda was offered for sale at Brooks' Olympia auction (Lot 198) and purchased there by a Mr Forster of Marlborough, Wiltshire. Prior to its acquisition by Mr Forster, the car had been in the ownership of one family since 1964, passing through the hands of three brothers. Extensive restoration had been undertaken while it was in the third brother's hands, the work being carried out over a five-year period (1986-1991) by well-known Lagonda specialist Peter Whenman at a cost of circa £43, 000.
Mr Forster sent the car back to Peter Whenman's company, now called Vintage Coachworks, for an engine rebuild undertaken in 1994/ 1995, and it appears that they maintained and serviced it for him during his ownership. It was then sold to a Mr Sharp of Jersey, who put the car in his private collection and used it only sparingly. While in Jersey the Lagonda was looked after and serviced by Clayden Motors, although no major work was required.
'AXR 522' was purchased by Stan West at Bonhams' Olympia sale in December 2008 (Lot 609), since when the wheels, hubs, and brakes have been overhauled by marque specialists Bishopgray (see bill dated 31st January 2019 on file). The history file also contains bills and receipts for the restoration/ services; the original buff logbook; and a quantity of expired MoTs.
I acquired this Lagonda from the estate of Stan West in 2021 and have used it primarily in Italy in a number of non-competitive rallies with my family. I have carried out further improvements which include a thorough cleaning of the radiator together with the addition of an electric fan (which I have never needed to use) and a new set of André Hartford hydraulicly adjustable shock absorbers. The car has just returned from a rally in the Valle di Aosta region where it performed brilliantly even at very high altitude. Presented in excellent condition throughout, with everything working properly, this exceptionally attractive Lagonda M45 is ready to be enjoyed. More than just elegant in appearance, the M45 is a truly magnificent grand tourer—effortlessly capable of covering long distances with poise, power and surprising refinement. With its smooth-running 4½-litre Meadows engine, supple ride, and roomy four-seat configuration, it offers the rare combination of vintage character and genuine touring comfort. On mountain passes or open roads, the car feels planted and responsive, making it as pleasurable to drive today as it must have been in 1933.
