1950 Lagonda 2.6 Litre Drophead Coupé

Registration No: LLE 948
Chassis No: LAG/50/144
MOT: Exempt

• The recipient of an older restoration
• Converted to a floor-change four-speed gearbox
• Previously resident in France prior to being repatriated circa 2010

Despite Lagonda's commitment to the war effort (manufacturing specialised aeroplane components as well as general ordnance, etc.), 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 cruciform-braced chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension (coil-and-wishbone front and torsion-bar rear) and hydraulic drum brakes (inboard at the back). Powered by an equally advanced DOHC straight-six engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, its flowing lines were the work in part of Frank Feeley. Unveiled to an enthusiastic press in September, 1945, production plans for the 2½ Litre (as it was originally named) fell foul of the prevailing "export or die" atmosphere, with Lagonda failing to negotiate sufficient steel supplies for such a low-volume, home-market product. Unable to recover financially, Lagonda 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 2½ 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. Very highly regarded in its day but somewhat expensive, the model reputedly accounted for just 511 sales (386 saloons and 125 drophead coupés).

Originally painted Oriental Blue with Grey trim, this Lagonda was despatched to Brooklands of Bond Street on August 24th, 1950, and registered the same day. Its first owner was logged as “C. R. Casson Ltd., now Everett’s” of 29, Hertford Street, London W.1. After a few subsequent owners in or near London, its tax expired in 1981 and it went to France for almost thirty years. A new British V5C was issued in 2010, and by 2013 it had been acquired by our vendor’s father, a longstanding enthusiast of thoroughbred cars.

In 2013 our vendor spent £1,733 with Century Classics, treating the Lagonda to a general service, a carburettor overhaul, a replacement SU fuel pump and a new stainless steel exhaust. It has since been enjoyed in occasional use, and presents well having evidently received an older restoration. It is said to be a delight to drive, having been converted to a floor-mounted gear-change. It is supplied with a well-stocked history file including the current V5C, an original 2½ Litre Instruction Book, some invoices and MOTs issued since 2010, a copy of the 2.6 and 3 Litre Workshop Manual, the Lagonda Club Technical Information Manual, copies of Lagonda factory records and correspondence from the Lagonda Club.