Description
1935 Lagonda M35R-ST44 Pillarless Saloon
Chassis No: Z11200
Engine No: 2950
Only 3 previous registered owners; current owner since 2002
One of only 65 3. 5 Litre Lagondas completed
Mileage estimated at 75, 000
Substantial correspondence and history dating back to 1935
Extremely rare Saloon model, in outstanding condition and original specification.“Summed up, the 3½-litre Lagonda is a car of character which abounds in practical features of the kind appreciated by the motorist of experience. In these days of high-speed engines, the fitting of a big power unit capable of handling high gear ratios is a distinctive characteristic. It would be difficult to select a more appropriate vehicle for fast and lengthy journeys." – Motor magazine.
BXU795 is one of an estimated 65 3½-Litre cars built, and one of very few survivors with ‘Silent Travel’ pillarless saloon bodywork. Lagonda’s 3. 5 Litre engine debuted in late 1934 and was quoted as developing some 88bhp @ 3, 000rpm. Benefiting from alloy connecting rods, five rings per cylinder, twin SU carburettors and an Autoklean oil filter, the overhead valve unit was notably refined and torquey.
Coachwork was available from a selection of suppliers, but few matched the elegance of the factory models particularly the carefully designed, pillar-less Silent Travel models. These offered maximum comfort and luxury with superb access for rear-seat passengers through rear-hinged rear doors. These rare survivors of the closed cars are increasingly sought after.
This stylish and ultra rare Lagonda M35R Pillarless Saloon would grace any collection and comes with interesting historical documentation. The history file contains significant early correspondence, a purchase agreement and guarantee from 1935, instruction books, a lubrication chart, wiring diagrams, and the V5C registration certificate.
Internally, the brown leather seats are original and are in overall excellent condition bar a couple of small tears. The wood dash and door cappings still exude a soft, rich sheen and the rich roof lining, door trims and carpets are in excellent condition. All the original dash instruments and fittings are present and correct. Externally the bodywork is very good, the paint excellent (save for a few small scratches) and the chromework flawless. The original Lagonda engine and gearbox are very good. This is a car that has not been ‘messed with’!
BXU795 was Certified in January 1990 by the VSCC as having “all original, genuine components including Chassis, Engine Crankcasing, Gearbox Casings, Back Axle Casings, Front Axle Beam, and Brakes”.
The first owner for over 20 years was A. D. Jones of Tower Hill, Llanelly, Carmarthenshire. A large amount of notes and correspondence in the history file relates to ownership by him through to May 1955 and covers the layup period during WW2 and subsequent recommissioning. Sadly he notes that the tools were lost during the War. In 1946 and again in 1952 the speedometer was replaced, at 27, 282 and 23, 513 miles respectively. The current odometer reading is 24, 209 miles which suggests a current total of around 75, 000 though this cannot be certain.
The car stayed in Wales until 2002 when it is understood that it was subject to a full repaint and re chrome before my late friend David O’Rorke bought it. David was a collector and only drove it once shortly after purchase. Whilst in his collection, David arranged for the clutch to be re-lined, a new timing chain to be fitted, general recommissioning and a new MOT. David sadly passed away in April 2024 and the car is being sold on behalf of his widow.
