Highlights
- Desirable short-wheelbase (10ft 4in) original factory-bodied example
- Ground-up nut and bolt restoration (10 years ago)
- More recently has had £57,000 spent on brining the car back to full glory (2023-2025)
- Comprehensive documentation: six hardback folders worth
- Complete ownership history from new, with original registration still applied – MG 6768
- Recently received £57,000 mechanical refresh by an award-winning workshop
- Stored in a barn for forty years
The Appeal
In 1931, Rolls-Royce acquired arch rival Bentley Motors. For company founder Walter Owen Bentley, this was a huge blow; a bitter-sweet end of a glorious era of racing at Brooklands and Le Mans. But the great man had plenty more to give, and after finally departing the company that bore his name in 1935, W.O. was invited to join Lagonda as Technical Director.
W.O Bentley oversaw the creation of the marque's most ambitious project yet - a new V12-engined car destined to be the ultimate gentleman's grand tourer. Lagonda chose the right man for the job, and Bentley assigned the capable ex-Rolls-Royce man Stewart Tresilian to post of Chief Designer.
Here is the result.
A 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé short wheelbase represents perhaps the most advanced pre-war British motor car. With 180 horsepower, these cars could comfortably cruise at speeds exceeding 100 mph - a claim verified by Earl Howe at Brooklands.
Our 1939 car, chassis number 14092, is the desirable short-wheelbase factory-bodied Drophead Coupé. That makes this a very special machine in itself, but this car is better still, having benefited from an extensive restoration. The Lagonda also retains its original British registration and a known history spanning its entire life. Such cars do not come to market often, so this is an opportunity collectors simply cannot afford to miss.
W.O Bentley oversaw the creation of the marque's most ambitious project yet - a new V12-engined car destined to be the ultimate gentleman's grand tourer. Lagonda chose the right man for the job, and Bentley assigned the capable ex-Rolls-Royce man Stewart Tresilian to post of Chief Designer.
Here is the result.
A 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé short wheelbase represents perhaps the most advanced pre-war British motor car. With 180 horsepower, these cars could comfortably cruise at speeds exceeding 100 mph - a claim verified by Earl Howe at Brooklands.
Our 1939 car, chassis number 14092, is the desirable short-wheelbase factory-bodied Drophead Coupé. That makes this a very special machine in itself, but this car is better still, having benefited from an extensive restoration. The Lagonda also retains its original British registration and a known history spanning its entire life. Such cars do not come to market often, so this is an opportunity collectors simply cannot afford to miss.
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 12/06/1939 to Mr. A.C.W. Norman of Montague St, London W1
- Second owner Mr. Withair of Cheyne Place, London SW3 acquired the car in November 1945
- Maintained by Davies Motors of Staines until 1952
- Subsequently located in Bognor Regis and Middleton-on-Sea
- Acquired by the Hollinshead family who stored it in a barn for 40 years
- Later purchased by Alfred Hill MBE, who commissioned the comprehensive restoration
- Current owner acquired the vehicle in 2023
- Complete ownership history documented from new
- Original registration still applied
- Restoration fully documented with photographs across six hardback folders
- Recent invoices totaling £57,800 (2023-2025) comes with invoices
The Condition
- Factory original coachwork on the desirable short wheelbase (10ft 4in) chassis
- Ash frame repaired during restoration
- Aluminium bodywork returned to ex-Works condition
- Bare metal respray completed during restoration
- Brightwork refinished by S&T Electro-Plate
- Wheel trims recently polished
- Interior new fully retrimmed in Connolly leather
- New Wilton carpets fitted throughout
- New matching dark blue mohair hood bag
- Headlamp protectors recently fitted
- The vendor reports only light use since restoration completion
A testament to great design is when a sporting car looks like it's going 100 mph while standing still. This Lagonda looks like just that, with sweeping bodywork typical of the Art Deco Streamline Moderne movement of the 1930s.
The quality of the restoration is evident from the photographs. We're assured that not a single fastener has been left unturned. Everything has been restored to the highest possible standard and the results speak for themselves. This car truly is exceptional in every respect.
The quality of the restoration is evident from the photographs. We're assured that not a single fastener has been left unturned. Everything has been restored to the highest possible standard and the results speak for themselves. This car truly is exceptional in every respect.
The Mechanics
- 4.5-litre V12 engine
- G10 four-speed manual gearbox
- Engine comprehensively overhauled during restoration with new crankshaft, con-rods, forged pistons, camshafts and valves
- Gearbox fully rejuvenated during restoration
- Suspension received extensive attention during rebuild
- Brake components restored
- Complete rewiring carried out
- Various ancillaries restored
- Recently received a comprehensive mechanical shake-down and refresh by an award-winning workshop
- Fully serviced by marque experts
- Prepared for 2025 touring
The engine is this car's party piece; an immense V12 developed by some of the greatest automotive engineers the world has ever seen.
Having undergone a substantial mechanical overhaul, we understand the Lagonda to be in very fit order. Celebrated marque specialists have serviced the car and completed a rigorous on-road shakedown to ensure everything is working as it should be. By all accounts, this wonderful car is ready to enjoy 2025 touring now that summer is upon us.
Having undergone a substantial mechanical overhaul, we understand the Lagonda to be in very fit order. Celebrated marque specialists have serviced the car and completed a rigorous on-road shakedown to ensure everything is working as it should be. By all accounts, this wonderful car is ready to enjoy 2025 touring now that summer is upon us.
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