718

• Sold on behalf of a deceased estate
• Completely restored

In the Edwardian era, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before revertingto sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920's with the introduction of the 14/60. Designed by Arthur Davidson, the two-litre, four-cylinder engine featured twin camshafts mounted high in the block and operated inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output of this advanced engine was a highly respectable 60bhp. For the 1929 racing season, a 'low chassis' Speed Model was introduced, featuring revisions to the chassis front end and a higher compression engine fitted with twin carburettors. The Speed Model had resulted from the factory's Le Mans effort of 1928 when the 2.0 Litre, driven by Andre d'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes finished 11th overall in the 24 Hour Endurance Classic. In 1930, a supercharged version was introduced with a 'blower' mounted vertically in front of the engine and fitted with a counterweighted crankshaft. A Powerplus supercharger was specified at first, but most 'blown' 2.0 Litres came with a Cozzette supercharger. Thus equipped, a 'low chassis 2.0 Litre was capable of up to 90mph.

This 'Low Chassis' 2.0 Litre was offered for sale in December 2001 at Bonhams Olympia auction where it was purchased by Mr. Simon Carrel. Originally one of the supercharger-equipped models, chassis number 'OH9859' retains its original and extremely rare fabric-covered four-door tourer coachwork, which has been preserved as part of a no expense-spared, 'ground upwards' restoration. This was carried out with the aim of producing a usable car, not a concours winner car.

The restoration included boring and stroking the engine to approximately 2.4 litres and installing a new solid billet Allen crankshaft, new Cosworth con-rods and pistons, and high-lift camshafts. A new downdraft, crossflow cylinder head was specially cast (in iron) and gas flowed, and a pre-war Rootes-type Wade supercharger acquired. The engine has been bench tested and produced 148bhp. The supercharger's original position was vertical in front of the engine while the dynamo sat beneath the radiator protruding forward. It was discovered that the Wade blower would not fit in the 'correct' position but would fit under the radiator, so the positions of the dynamo and supercharger were swapped, making the Lagonda look a bit like a blown 4½ litre Bentley.

The car came with an Alvis Speed 20 synchromesh gearbox fitted, which has been retained, while the clutch has been converted and is now a Borg & Beck unit. All corossion was removed from the bodywork, which was strengthened and re-covered in new fabric, while the interior received new leather seats and panelling. Proper Lucas P100 'Bulls Eyes' were sourced and installed, and all the chrome work re-plated. 'PL 6619' was restored with a view to vintage competitions and we are advised that all the modifications are VSCC accepted because they were possible in pre-war days. It is extremely fast, 0-60mph in under 11 seconds, very reliable and great fun. It has enormous torque and will pull up any hill in third gear and easily outperforms any standard 4½ litre Lagonda. Consigned by John Tomlin