Highlights

Highly original and carefully preserved V12
Factory original Dockers Gunmetal paint and LG1 brown leather interior
Matching-numbers car in very good running order
Paint preserved by five day Valetsupernova process
Recent 100 hr mechanical recommissioning
Continuous Lagonda Works service records from 1939-1954
Original factory build sheets, sales invoice, and brown logbook

The Appeal

Some cars are all about the shiny restoration. A vanishingly small handful go in a far more interesting direction, designed to very carefully preserve their originality and character. This car is one of them.

It is one of the 189 Lagonda V12 saloons built before the outbreak of war. These cars were extremely expensive and featured, as the name implies, an ultra-smooth V12 designed under the tutelage of W O Bentley. What makes this car stand out from the handful of remaining survivors is its incredible originality. Alongside the original Dockers Gunmetal paintwork and LG1 brown leather interior, there is an array of details that border on astonishing. One small example is that it retains the wax crayon import window marking from the day it arrived in Australia in the 1960s. That has been carefully preserved under high-grade PPF.

Elsewhere, the handsome original paintwork has been protected using a preservation process applied by specialists Valetsupernova. It took five days to complete and is key to this car’s appeal, as a glance through the photos will prove. Every panel on this car hints at its remarkable 86 year life.

But this evocative timepiece is not merely a static show car. Thanks to a recent 100-hour recommissioning process, its matching numbers engine, gearbox and the running gear run and drive as they should. The work included a complete rewire, brake overhaul, exhaust system refurbishment and all new fluids.

This is a car for those who value the story behind a car as much as the car itself. A vast history file of fascinating paperwork, including original build sheets and mileage logs, promises to fill autumn and winter evenings for the lucky buyer.

The vendor says:

“The car is now extremely usable — honest, stable, and a joy to drive. It’s ready to be enjoyed immediately, whether that’s for country road jaunts, weekend shows, or just a drive to the local pub.

“A remarkable and highly original 1939 Lagonda V12 Saloon — matching numbers, original paint, and a compelling historical backstory. Offered with an unparalleled archive of documentation including build sheets, logbooks, import/export papers, factory service records, road test articles, diagrams, and restoration invoices.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in UK on 5 May 1939
DVLA records two registered keepers but the figure is likely to be higher
Current keeper since February 2022
Exported to Australia in 1960s
Returned to UK in 2010
Sold new in Bradford via University Motors
First keeper was Bertram Parkinson, a wool merchant based at Creskeld Hall near Leeds
Continuous Lagonda Works service records from 1939-1954
Factory build sheets, sales invoice, brown logbook with tax stamps, and period brochures
When exported to Australia remained in dry barn storage for over 60 years
UK Export and Australian import documentation preserved
Wax crayon import window marking still visible on the driver's side glass, now protected under PPF
Extensive supporting invoices, estimates, and specialist recommissioning records included
Original magazine road tests from The Motor Trader and wiring diagrams accompany the vehicle

The Condition

Original Dockers Gunmetal paint with matching wheel trims with red coachline
Paint professionally preserved by Valesupernova with a
Paintwork shows various areas of age, which is arguably a key part of its appeal
Bodywork appears solid with consistent shut lines
Vendor reports that there are no signs of previous repairs
Brightwork and chrome display age-related wear and some pitting consistent with the car's history
Original stone guards and factory-supplied metal badges remain intact
Features rare original badge on the carburettor air filter
Wire wheels have been checked and confirmed solid, fitted with Blockley tyres
LG1 brown leather upholstery presents with age-appropriate wear and cracking
Original carpets and headlining show natural ageing but remain intact
All original wood trim, gauges, and switchgear are present
Features large steel sliding sunroof
Burr walnut hand-crafted veneers with a similar level of aged patina as shown
Glass is original throughout
Preserved wax crayon export marking on the driver's side window
Discreet modern temperature and oil pressure gauge fitted in the glovebox for reliability

The Mechanics

4,480cc 185bhp V12 engine
Twin SU carburettors
4spd manual transmission
Vendor reports that the car is matching numbers
V12 engine starts easily and runs smoothly, says seller
Over 100 hours of specialist recommissioning work completed
Vendor reports that suspension rides level with rear sitting correctly and comfortably
We are told the car brakes straight and true following brake overhaul
All fluids replaced during the recent recommissioning process
The vendor states the car is extremely usable - stable and a joy to drive

Summary of recent recommissioning:

New fuel pump
Modern fuel and oil filters
Fully refreshed ignition system (coil, leads, distributor)
Complete rewire by a professional auto-electrical specialist using correct materials
Exhaust system has been professionally rebuilt and welded
Brakes have been fully overhauled — dismantled, serviced, and tested
All fluids replaced

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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