Registration No: GE 189
Chassis No: 8783
MOT: Exempt

• In the ownership of just two individuals since 1964
• Purchased by the vendor in 2010 as a project, having stood for some fourteen-years
• Attractive four-door, four-seater Tourer bodywork and accompanied by full weather equipment

The Lagonda 14/60 Two Litre is based on a sturdy ladder frame chassis suspended on semi-elliptic leaf springs and having drum brakes to all wheels. It is powered by the 1954cc engine designed by Arthur Davidson; this imposing looking four-cylinder unit features twin camshafts mounted high in the block and fully machined hemispherical combustion chambers. Developing some 60bhp it is mated to a four-speed gearbox.

‘GE 189’ was registered new on 2^nd April 1928; early history is unknown until it was registered to Louis Walton of Groombridge, Sussex, in January 1957. Passing through one subsequent owner, the car was acquired by the former owner in 1964. Reportedly, the car was then stripped down and the chassis zinc sprayed. Sometime between 1984 and January 1988, the car spent a period in Canada. It is evident from the car itself that much work was carried out by the former owner, with him stating that the engine had been professionally overhauled. Describing the engine, the vendor says it is a ‘lively high compression unit’; the extensive aluminium surfaces have been polished, screw heads plated and the cylinder head nuts are chrome plated. The original Zenith carburettor was replaced by an SU instrument. Upholstery has been completely renewed in Rexine or some such; by the detail of the door pockets attention to detail is evident. The floor boarding has been completely renewed. Further work is the replacement of the original ‘Vee’ windscreen with a flat one and the bonnet is also not the original and is somewhat ill-fitting. Finished in Old English White on Black with Maroon chassis and wheels, the hood and side screens have been completely reconditioned.

‘GE 189’ was re-commissioned following some 12 years off the road during 2008 by the Haynes International Motor Museum at a cost of £1,672, spending a further 2 years unused before being purchased by the vendor in 2010. Work carried out by the vendor includes replacing the engine valve rockers with new ones supplied by the Lagonda Club, new brake linings and cables to the rear wheels, new tyres (except the spare), and re-silvering of the lamp reflectors. A major expense was a new radiator honeycomb, and he had the thermostat restored. The fuel system has been completely overhauled by McKenzie Guppy, including the Autovac and the main/reserve tap. The carburettor has also been serviced by the vendor. Following an electrical fire, the vendor introduced additional fuses to the system. He also made two small supplementary switch panels which include a cigar lighter, a two-pin service point and switches for ignition, reversing lamp and a windscreen washer. Sundry items include a new tonneau cover, cockpit cover (this space is fitted out with safe stowage for the sidescreens), and hood bag. There is space behind the rear seat squab to store the folded tonneau and cockpit covers. It comes with two copies of the handbook – one a later reprint, the other a photocopy of an original. There are tools stowed in the carrier next to the front passenger’s left leg, and a box for heavier items under the rear footwell. There is a modern jack under the bonnet, but no handle.

Offered for auction as the vendor states he has reached that stage of personal dilapidation such that he is now unable to safely enjoy vintage motoring any further. ‘GE 189’ is a Semi Sports Tourer model of the Lagonda 14/60 Two Litre family. Expensively built, styled, and equipped, it is a comfortable practical vintage tourer. It is fitted with an adjustable Auster windscreen for the comfort and protection of the rear seat passengers. The spacious rear footwell gives ample room for touring clobber or the bridal train. Other items include the ‘buff’ logbook, the V5C document, sundry historical papers and invoices, together with some advertisements taken from magazines of the time.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452