1934 Lagonda Rapier

Lot details
Registration No: CZ 7070
Chassis No: D11284
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- 1 of just 470 made

- Well maintained and improved over the last 30 years

- An ideal entry to the world of prewar motoring and said to be in beautiful condition

Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show, the Lagonda Rapier featured a notably advanced 1104cc DOHC four-cylinder engine that developed 50bhp @ 5,400rpm. Prohibitively expensive to manufacture, the model was dropped when Lagonda went into administration during 1935. Revived by the aptly-named Rapier Cars Ltd of Hammersmith, the new concern contributed a further 46 cars to the total production tally of 470 before folding in 1938.

First registered in Belfast on 31st December 1934 (or so its 'CZ 7070' number plate would imply), this particular example - chassis D11284 - is known to have belonged to Terence Riggs Esq. of Havant some forty years later. Subsequently owned by well-known Lagonda Rapier Register member Mr Harold Fox of Buckinghamshire (1990-2002) and Mr Alan Croft of Surrey, the Tourer has more recently formed part of the Donington Park Collection. Reportedly treated to an engine and gearbox overhaul by acknowledged marque specialist I&J MacDonald during 1994-1995 and a bare metal respray by Metcalfe & Rosedale of Bedfordshire in 2000, the latter is understood to have involved five coats of primer and five of topcoat, prior to which parts of the ash body frame had been replaced and new front wings and running boards fabricated. At the same time the interior was re-trimmed in Connolly hide and Wilton carpeting, and some re-chroming carried out. Other components refurbished include the starter motor, dynamo, carburettors and magneto (the latter most recently in 2013) while the wiring has been replaced and an original Brooklands-style steering wheel fitted. Weather equipment consists of a double duck hood and full tonneau. Described by the vendor as being in 'beautiful condition', he goes on to say that 'this easy to handle vehicle is an ideal entry to prewar motoring'. Offered for sale with UK V5C Registration Document, period brochure, instruction book and large history file containing numerous invoices.