1932 Lagonda 2 Litre Low Chassis Continental Tourer
Highlights
- Recent bare metal bodywork restoration
- One of 23 built of which only 7 believed to survive
- Recent work to dynamo, ignition leads and electrics
- Well known car with history dating back to first registration
- Beautiful presented and maintained car with gentle patina
The Appeal
The coming together of several great elements gave us one of Britain’s best pre-war sports cars. First there was the innovative 2litre twin cam engine of ex-Lea Francis engineer Arthur Davidson. Then there was Lagonda’s experiences at Le Mans in 1928, which informed the design. And finally, in the spirit of plucky interwar creativity, there was a team of Hertfordshire enthusiasts who wanted to compete in long distance races with the support of the Fox & Nuttall racing team.
The elegantly named Lagonda 2 litre Low Chassis Continental Tourer was born. Distinguished by its sloped back grille and larger brakes, these cars got their name from the low slung chassis that significantly improved handling. The front axle was steeply dropped and at the back spacer blocks lowered the rear.
Just 23 saloons and tourers were built, split roughly 50/50 between body styles. Just seven Tourers like this one are believed to survive. It is chassis OH10141 and is well known in Lagonda circles. The history is documented right back to its first registration.
The current keeper acquired it in 2018 from the estate of its former owner, who had retained it for 55 years. The bodywork was subject to a bare metal restoration on purchase. The car is believed to have been factory fitted with special order ‘Speed Model’ wings but these were replaced with the correct cycle wings and running boards during the work. The alternative wings are included in the sale.
Finished in appropriate dark British Racing Green with a complementary red leather interior, this is a stunning example of one of Britain’s most vintage touring cars. Recent attention to the electrics, magneto and ignition leads means it is in fine running order and ready to enjoy on classic tours across Europe or shorter, more local runs.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK on 26th August 1932
- Acquired by current keeper in 2018
- Previous keeper purchased the car in November 1963
- Detailed records of all keepers available from seller
- First sold by Gaffikin Williams & CO of London
- Chassis details confirm CB identification prefix denotes Continental model
- T4 chassis number denotes body style, which it retains
- 1930s photographs indicate car was factory supplied with special order ‘Speed Model’ wings
- Bare metal restoration in 2018 returned the car to Continental Tourer specification
- This included fitting the correct cycle wings and running boards
- The factory special order Speed Model wings are included in the sale
- Old style log book and current V5C in vendor’s name included
- Invoices covering the restoration work
- Recent work to rebuild magneto, rewire car, update electrics and replace ignition leads
The vendor writes:
“This car's ID plate on the bulkhead is marked 'CB', denoting a Continental model, and 'T4' referring to the body type. The T4 body was made of steel and had cycle wings as standard; there were two small doors on the nearside and one on the offside, with the driver having to climb in via a triangular recess. Photographs taken in the 1930s show that 'GY 9963' had Speed Model wings, and therefore it seems reasonable to assume they were fitted by the factory to special order. During restoration they were replaced with cycle wings and running boards correct for the Continental (the original Speed Model wings are supplied with the Lot).
“Ordered new by Gaffikin Williams & Co of Hanover Square in London, the Continental was first owned by one Geoffrey Bowman of Stanmore followed by a handful of others (list available) before passing in November 1963 to Mr D Parker, who would keep it for the next 55 years. Sold from his estate in 2018, the car was purchased by our vendor that same year.”
The Condition
- Bare metal bodywork restoration in 2018 refinished in fetching dark green
- T4 body style retained with three doors and driver’s cutaway
- Continental factory-correct cycle wings and running boards reinstated
- Folding roof and tonneau in good condition
- Exterior condition is very good due to extensive recent work
- Fitted with a badge bar with Lagonda and VSCC club badges
- Red leather interior carries a gentle patina of character that suits its age
- Very well kept interior fittings with original dials and veneer dashboard
- Hood and frame in good condition with a full set of side screens and tonneau included with the vehicle
Words like ‘commanding’ immediately spring to mind when looking at the photographs of this beautiful Low Chassis Lagonda. It is impressive now, 91 years on. We can only imagine how it felt seeing it emerge from the showroom on its first registration in August 1932.
The impression is assisted by the high end, bare metal respray that this car received in 2018. It was sympathetically done, carefully reinstating the factory Continental Touring specification and the T4 body details. Today it remains in superb order.
Inside there is a complementary red leather interior. This shows more age than the body but it is of the gentle patinated sort that adds character to a car that richly deserves it. The factory veneer dashboard and array of Smiths dials are all present, correct and in good, working order. All in all, this is a car that is a treat for the eyes.
The Mechanics
- 1,954cc twin cam 4cyl Lagonda engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Recent work to magneto, ignition leads, wiring and electrics
- Described as running very well with no issues to report
- Thick history file of regular maintenance and servicing
The compact 2litre engine devised by Davidson incorporated a clever ‘underhead’ twin camshaft design that made maintenance easier. The Low Chassis was reportedly good for 78bhp.
This car is reported to be in very good running order with no mechanical issues for the buyer to attend to. Recent work has included rebuilding the magneto and replacing the ignition leads. It has also bee rewired and the electrics updated.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1932
- Make Lagonda
- Model 2 Litre
- Colour Green
- Odometer 3,431 Miles
- Engine size 1954
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Southampton
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
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