8th Dec, 2010 14:30

The Pavilion Gardens

 
  Lot 52
 

1935 Lagonda Rapier

Sold for £28,688

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: JC 2702
Chassis No: D10758
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show, the Lagonda Rapier was intended to capitalise on the growing market for small capacity sports cars. Although based around a conventional ladder-frame chassis complete with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel Girling 13-inch drum brakes, the newcomer boasted a highly advanced engine. The work of consultant Thomas 'Tim' Ashcroft the 1104cc four-cylinder unit utilised twin overhead camshafts to produce a quoted 50bhp @ 5,400rpm. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its performance, refinement and agility, the model was supplied in bare chassis guise only and bodied via the likes of E.D. Abbott, John Charles, Maltby and E.J. Newns. Prohibitively expensive to manufacture, the Rapier was dropped when the Staines firm went into administration during 1935. Convinced that the reborn Lagonda (LG Motors Ltd) had made a mistake, Tim Ashcroft, William Oates and Nevil Brockelbank secured the rights to the small capacity sports car shortly thereafter. Operating as Rapier Cars Ltd of Hammersmith they contributed a further 46 cars to the total production tally of 470 before closing their doors in 1938. Long a favourite among special builders and the vintage racing fraternity, the Rapier responds well to lightening and tuning.

With its exposed fuel tank, rear-mounted spare wheel, flowing wings, cutaway doors, twin aeroscreens and non-existent running boards, the tourer coachwork worn by this particular example is reminiscent of the Eagle design that E.J. Newns fitted to twelve Rapier chassis. First registered on 7th May 1935, the Lagonda has been treated to sundry past restoration work including a retrim. Finished in green with matching upholstery, the two-seater sports a right-hand, rather than central, gearlever (and thus might have undergone a gearbox transplant). Forming part of a private Aston Martin and Lagonda collection, 'JC 2702' has essentially lain dormant since its last tax disc expired on 31st July 2008 and would therefore benefit from a degree of recommissioning prior to being put back on the road. Riding on silver painted wire wheels, this delightful Post Vintage Thoroughbred is offered for sale with "various correspondence relating to repair / maintenance / renovation work", numerous old MOTs and assorted other paperwork.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 8th Dec, 2010

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