1932 Lagonda 2 Litre Supercharged Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: PJ 3812
Chassis No: OH10088
Mot Expiry: May 2006

A development of the Lagonda 2-litre that was driven by Andre D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes to 11th place overall at the 1928 Le Mans 24-hour race, the 'Low Chassis' model was introduced the following year. Benefiting from a redesigned front axle (complete with rerouted braking system) and rear suspension spacers etc, its reduced centre of gravity resulted in notably sharper handling. Though, such improved dynamics only served to highlight the shortcomings of its 1954cc 'twin-cam' engine. The work of Arthur Davidson, this imposing four-cylinder ohv unit boasted hemispherical combustion chambers but inlet tracts so torturous that they literally strangled it of horsepower.
To remedy the situation, Lagonda announced the availability of a supercharger option at the Brooklands Fete on 19th July 1930. Although, this initially took the form of a Powerplus single-rotor assembly bevel driven off the crank, most 'blown' 2-litres came with a Cozette No.9 rated at 4psi. Thus equipped, a 'Low Chassis' 2-litre was reputedly capable of 90mph. Underlining their performance advantage, the Lord de Clifford piloted one to 4th place overall on the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally, while St Albans motorcar dealer W.M. Couper used another one to capture a Glacier Cup on the next year's Alpine Rally.
Finished in green with red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in good overall condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. In the present enthusiast ownership since 1966, PJ 3812 shares its stabling with a number of other Lagondas. First registered on 4th March 1932 it began life as a normally aspirated 'Low Chassis' car. Reportedly returned to the Works soon after purchase from the original keeper in order to be upgraded with a Cozette supercharger, the switchover to forced induction was not marked on its engine ID plate (though, accurate record keeping was not a Lagonda strong point at the time). Subsequently campaigned in the 1939 RAC Rally by C.E. Littler, PJ 3812 embarrassed a lot of younger and supposedly faster opposition to finish a strong 15th overall.
Treated to an extensive engine rebuild by a marque specialist, refurbished radiator and restored instruments during the 1990s, this historic Lagonda has since covered some 9,402 miles (according to its reset odometer) including three trips to the Continent. The most recent of these was a second outing to the Circuit des Ardennes undertaken this summer (the third jaunt being a trip to the San Remo Rally a few years back). A rare survivor with a wonderful provenance and period competition history, this three-door fabric bodied tourer is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until 19th May 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until 30th June 2006.

PLEASE NOTE: SINCE THE CATALOGUE WENT TO PRESS WE HAVE BEEN KINDLY INFORMED THAT THE LORD DE CLIFFORD PILOTED A LAGONDA 3 LITRE TO 20TH OVERALL IN THE 1931 MONTE CARLO RALLY AND THAT THE LAGONDA 2 LITRE W M COUPER DROVE TO WIN A GLACIER CUP IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR'S ALIPNE RALLY WAS NORMALLY ASPIRATED.

PLEASE NOTE: FURTHER RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THIS LOT WAS ONE OF FOUR LAGONDAS TO CONTEST THE 1939 RAC RALLY (THERE WERE SOME 224 ENTRANTS IN TOTAL DIVIDED BETWEEN SIX GROUP CATEGORIES). WHILE THE CARS DRIVEN BY P. SMITH AND W.F. WATSON CAME 17TH AND 23RD RESPECTIVELY IN GROUP VI (CLOSED CARS OVER 15HP), 'PJ 3812' PILOTED BY C.E. LITTLER MANAGED 15TH IN GROUP III (OPEN CARS 10 - 15HP). WITH H.A. SMITH'S CAR RETIRING FROM GROUP V (OPEN CARS OVER 15HP), THIS HISTORIC 2-LITRE THEREFORE ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST GROUP RANKING OF ANY LAGONDA THAT YEAR. ALTHOUGH, PJ 3812'S OVERALL POSITION AT THE END OF THE 1939 RAC RALLY IS UNKNOWN, IT IS PERHAPS WORTH NOTING THAT ITS GROUP RANKING WAS THE BEST POSTED BY A LAGONDA SINCE C. BICKNELL RECORDED 15TH ABOARD A RAPIDE TWO YEARS EARLIER.