Description
On February 2nd 1996, Byron International brokered the same of the wonderful Lagonda to a French buyer and committed enthusiast. A major force within FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) – it will surprise nobody that the new owner became (and remains) a member of the VSCC and the Lagonda Owner’s Club marking a commitment to his new acquisition.
Within a week, the car was shipped to France and delivered to Jean-Pierre Jeanne Garage, St Hilaire du Harcouet, France, for an overall check, Jean Pierre continued to look after and maintain the car through to 2007 when he retired. His role was then taken by Colin Newby (of Alvis fame) who carried on the good work until his own return to the UK in 2021/ 22. Current supervision of the mechanical well being of the Lagonda is by Passion Mécanique Garage (PMG), near Rennes, Brittany.
Specialist maintenance skills matched with an enthusiastic owner means that any future owner of this wonderful car can be assured that the beauty is not just skin deep. Because alongside the care of regular maintenance, there were several major areas of restoration. That started back in 1996 when the decision was made to remanufacture locally “crash” Z-type gearbox, with parts delivered by the Lagonda Club Spares Section (John Breen) – that work was charged at approx. £800.
In 1999, a local upholsterer was commissioned to produce a new hood, at a cost then of 11, 000 francs (around £1, 000) the quality of the work is reflected in the hood’s outstanding current condition. In 2009/ 10, the bodywork was restored by local Fougères carrossier at a cost of €4, 000 (around £3, 000) – there is photographic record of the work but no available job sheet. And finally, in 2022, the original engine was rebuilt by Gosnay’s Engineering Cy. Ltd., Essex, at a cost of £8, 735 – you will struggle to find a Lagonda in better fettle than this one.
But 28 years of loving ownership is more than just maintenance or care and the current owner, with an annual mileage of around 500 miles per annum has seen the car enjoy some happy times. Yes, there have been the scenic drives in the local Fougères countryside but more than that, there have been weddings. Lyons and Nantes with the car delivered by trailer but most spectacularly one at Les Invalides in Paris with the car photographed in the courtyard.
In Paris as well for the celebration of 100 years of the automobile with a ceremonial drive to Longchamp, and for such a beautiful car, of course, concours d’élégance La Baule 1999, St Brieuc-Florio 2016 and Dinard 2018.
She has had an active life with around eight local events every year and proves a major draw for adults and children alike. Alongside the car, the owner has an original Lagonda Instruction book along with a reproduction from the Lagonda Club.
