Lot details Registration No: KWF 115 Chassis No: LAG/50/345 Mot Expiry: None
Notwithstanding Lagonda's commitment to the war effort, their chief engineer W.O. Bentley - ably assisted by W.G. Watson and Donald Bastow - began work on a new car in early 1944. Conceived as a sports saloon, the resultant design boasted an innovative chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension and hydraulic drum brakes (inboard at the back). Powered by a DOHC straight-six engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, its flowing lines were partially attributable to Frank Feeley. Unveiled to an enthusiastic press in September 1945, production plans for the exclusive `2.5 Litre' were stymied by Lagonda's inability to negotiate sufficient steel supplies given the prevailing `export-or-die' atmosphere. Unable to recover financially, the marque was bought by industrialist David Brown in 1947. Merged with Brown's other recent purchase Aston Martin, the two companies operated out of the latter's Feltham premises. In addition to donating its powerplant to the nascent Aston Martin DB2 programme, the `2.5 Litre' was developed in its own right. Fitted with a David Brown S430 four-speed synchromesh gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering and hypoid back axle, it reappeared at the October 1949 Earls Court Motor Show as the DB Lagonda 2.6. Highly regarded but expensive, the model reputedly accounted for just 511 sales (386 saloons and 125 drophead coupes).
Recently released from long-term storage, this rare Drophead Coupe will require extensive restoration before returning to the road. Accompanied by a new gearbox top to facilitate the conversion from column to floor-change, it is judged by the vendor to be "seemingly complete except for the radiator and one headlight etc". The Lagonda has been fitted with a correct-type replacement engine that was purchased from AML in 1967 but "has yet to run since its pre-delivery, 30-minute factory test" - the original unit is available by separate negotiation. The interior trim is described as being in "very good condition but needing a good clean and conditioner". A unique opportunity to bring a 2.6 Litre back to life.
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