Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1931 Lagonda 2 Litre 'Low Chassis' Speed Model Tourer
Estimate
£50, 000 - £60, 000
Registration No: PJ 2716
Chassis No: OH10067
MOT: Exempt
Began life as a Supercharged model complete with factory T3 Tourer coachwork
Remodelled in period with an altogether more attractive 'bustle' rear and bespoke hood
Much improved during the current ownership via a thorough engine overhaul and suspension work etc
Previously featured on the front cover of The Automobile magazine and in 'Lagonda Heritage' by Richard Bird
Owned by Lagonda Club stalwart John Anderson from 1974 - 2002 and extensively restored in that time
Having established its reputation by winning the Moscow - St Petersburg Reliability Trial of 1910 with a 30hp Six, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920s with the introduction of the 14/ 60. The latter abandoned the firm's traditional in-unit gearbox in favour of a midships-mounted transmission, but of greater technical interest was the engine. Designed by Arthur Davidson, the 2-Litre Four featured twin camshafts, mounted high in the block, operating inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output of this advanced design was a highly respectable 60bhp. For the 1929 season, a 'low chassis' Speed Model was introduced, featuring revisions to the frame's 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-Litre driven by Andre D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes had finished 11th overall in the 24-Hour endurance classic. A classic example of racing improving the breed, the 'low chassis' 2-Litre possessed markedly superior handling characteristics courtesy of its lower centre of gravity. In 1930 a supercharged version was introduced, with the 'blower' mounted vertically in front of the engine, which was fitted with a stronger crankshaft, while a 3-Litre rear axle beefed up the transmission. A Powerplus supercharger was specified at first, but most 'blown' 2-Litres came with a Cozette. Thus equipped, a 'low chassis' 2-Litre was capable of up to 90mph.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
