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.
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