Registration No: TF 23
Chassis No: OH 9555
MOT: Exempt

• Extensively renovated at considerable expense since entering current ownership
• Long-term previous custodianship (from 1982 until 2016)
• Tourer coachwork presents excellently and the 2-Litre ran and drove well during our photography session
• Large history file including previous ‘buff’ log books and numerous invoices
• Pleasingly still in possession of its original registration number ‘TF 23’

Having established its reputation by winning the Moscow - St Petersburg Reliability Trial of 1910 with a 30hp six, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920s with the introduction of the 14/60. The latter abandoned the firm's traditional in-unit gearbox in favour of a midships-mounted transmission, but of greater technical interest was the engine. Designed by Arthur Davidson, the 2-litre 'four' featured twin camshafts, mounted high in the block, operating inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output of this advanced design was a highly respectable 60bhp. For the 1929 season, a 'low chassis' Speed Model was introduced, featuring revisions to the frame's front end and a higher-compression engine fitted with twin carburettors.

The Speed Model had resulted from the factory's Le Mans effort of 1928, when the 2-Litre driven by Andre D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes had finished 11th overall in the 24-Hour endurance classic. A classic example of racing improving the breed, the 'low chassis' 2-Litre possessed markedly superior handling characteristics courtesy of its lower centre of gravity. In 1930 a supercharged version was introduced, with the 'blower' mounted vertically in front of the engine, which was fitted with a stronger crankshaft, while a 3-Litre rear axle beefed up the transmission. A Powerplus supercharged was specified at first, but most 'blown' 2-Litres came with a Cozette. Thus equipped, a 'low chassis' 2-Litre was capable of up to 90mph.

Chassis OH 9555 was manufactured new in 1929 and supplied new to the United Kingdom, being first registered on the 16^th of December that year, reputedly supplied new to Lancashire. It is unknown as to how long the initial keeper retained the Lagonda, but the 2-Litre is subsequently known to have passed through five private owners in the 1950s and 1960s between Lancashire, Surrey, and Hertfordshire. It is during this period that the original engine (OH 1299) is believed to have been replaced by the unit in place (2B 1127, OH 1733), an engine that began life in a ‘blown’/supercharged car and thus features the uprated crank and con rods. Acquired by the previous keeper in July 1982 from well-renowned marque specialist and restorer Peter Whenman (of Vintage Coachworks), ‘TF 23’ is understood to have been used on the road until the late-1980s before being laid up.

Retained in previous ownership for thirty-four years before being acquired by the vendor (in 2016) who is well-versed in the Lagonda marque. Since then, the Low Chassis Tourer has been lavished with a comprehensive renovation. The engine has been completely refreshed with the cylinder head provided with new guides, valves, and springs, as well as a new head gasket and core plugs, overhauled water pump, new starter Bendix with renewed flexible couplings, and a full stainless steel exhaust system (including manifold). The radiator has been overhauled with a new honeycomb core fitted and the shell restored and re-chromed. OH 9555 then received a complete renovation of the fueling system with a new tank with sender unit, new fuel pump, replacement copper fuel lines, tap and filter bowl, as well as re-jetted and overhauled carburettor.

The ignition and wiring were refreshed with the magneto restored with new windings and condenser, and new HT leads and spark plugs fitted. The dynamo was overhauled and converted to two brushes, with a new battery fitted and in-keeping indicators and brake lights provided. The clutch was fitted with new springs, friction plates and central metal spinner, with the clutch cable adjusted before the braking system was completely overhauled with new front backplates fitted, and the suspension was refreshed with leaf springs re-tempered and set to factory specification.

Turning to the bodywork, sections of the ash frame were replaced as necessary, and new floors fitted, before the metalwork was repainted in Green. The headlights, horn and wheel spinners were re-chromed with a new battery box and wiper linkage fitted. Shod with new tyres and tubes, the attention turned to the interior with the seats freshly trimmed in Black leather upholstery and new carpeting trimmed in Green supplied. Finally, storage for the starting handle, jack, wheel brace and other equipment was created behind the rear seats. Invoices on file total almost £11,000 in parts provided in the current renovation, with the renovation works completed in early 2023.

Presenting excellently, ‘TF 23’ started readily, and both ran and drove well throughout our photography session. Supplied to sale with a large history file that contains numerous invoices relating to the recent renovation, a couple of MOTs and tax discs from the 1980s, two ‘buff’ style logbooks and previous V5 document, sales invoice for the previous owner's purchase from Peter Whenman, CD versions of the instruction and workshop manuals, and current V5C document. Pleasingly sporting its original registration number, OH 9555 is an excellent example of pre-war Lagonda motoring.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been contacted by a previous owner of ‘TF 23’ to say that he utilised a replacement 2 Litre chassis sourced through the Lagonda Club and a body acquired from Capt. Ivan Forshaw of Aston Service Dorset when restoring the car during the mid-1960s. As well as the engine having begun life aboard a 2 Litre Supercharged model, the radiator is from a blown car too.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452