Lot details
Registration No: ALR 149
Chassis No: Z10462
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Offered from the estate of engineer and jazz musician Jim Shelley

- Tuned Meadows 4.5 Litre six-cylinder engine, higher ratio back axle

- Fabric covered 'Bugsback' coachwork fabricated using aero modeller techniques

According to information kindly provided by The Lagonda Club's Hon Registrar Arnold Davey, chassis Z10462 began life as a 3 Litre model fitted with silent travel pillarless saloon coachwork. Sporting the London registration number 'ALR 149' and previously the property of a Mr McLoughlin, the car had been rebodied as an open tourer prior to its acquisition by the late Jim Shelley during 1971.

A renowned jazz musician, engineer and model aeroplane builder whose friends included Len Vale-Onslow MBE, Dr Carl Chinn MBE and father and son Brian and Paul Morgan (the latter of Ilmor Engineering fame), Mr Shelley is the only keeper listed in an accompanying green logbook which was issued on 23rd July 1974 and erroneously lists the Lagonda as a M45 model complete with engine number 9573 (the Meadows 4.5 Litre straight-six that it retains to this day).

Writing in the Winter 1990/91 issue of 'The Lagonda' magazine, Jim Shelley outlined the work that had gone into restoring his M45 (sic). A former Alvis 12/50 Beetleback and Bentley 3 Litre 'Red Label' Park Ward Tourer owner, he was determined to imbue chassis Z10462 with a more Vintage aesthetic. The resultant 'Bugback' coachwork was constructed using aeromodelling techniques whereby steamed plywood planks were screwed and glued on to an ash and ply frame.

Notably light and stiff, the four-seater, single-door body was covered in stretch leathercloth by Ron Passam of Barton under Needwood who was also responsible for trimming the new seat frames with red Connolly hide. The engine which features a larger 'Cormorant' crankshaft and heavier conrods was thoroughly overhauled by Allards of Newcastle under Lyme before having its performance further enhanced via an oil cooler, tubular exhaust manifold and 9.2:1 compression ratio.

As well as being treated to a new wiring loom, the Lagonda received attention to its water pump, magneto, petrol pump, SU carburettors and rear axle (uprated with a higher 3.5:1 ratio by Paul Morgan). Although reportedly competitive when entered for Vintage Sports Car Club events at Oulton Park, Silverstone and Curborough etc, the reconfigured 'ALR 149' was predominantly enjoyed as a road car and on various rallies.

Entrusted to marque specialist John Ryder of Claverley for new track rod ends during August 2004, the 3 / 4.5 Litre remained in regular use up until Jim Shelley's death. Now offered for sale by his family, the 'Bugback' Tourer started readily upon inspection. The undoubted jewel in Mr Shelley's motorcar and motorcycle collection not to mention a fitting tribute to his lifelong desire to tinker and improve, this handsome Post Vintage Thoroughbred is offered for sale with green logbook, V5C Registration Document, Lagonda Club Magazine (No.147), sundry paperwork and a copy of Jim Shelley's The Magic of the Midlands and the Black Country - Strictly Vintage and 'In Tune'.