1931 Lagonda 3 Litre Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: KY 2832
Chassis No: Z9780
Mot Expiry: June 2010

"Taut, fast, precise and elegant, the 3-Litre Special Tourer must rank as one of the most desirable and collectable vintage cars today" (Geoffrey Seaton, 'Lagonda An Illustrated History 1900 - 1950').

A derivative of the earlier 16/65, the Lagonda 3-Litre was unveiled in 1928. Progressively developed in line with its smaller 2-Litre sibling, it made the transition from 'High Chassis' to 'Low Chassis' specification early the following decade. A somewhat conventional ladder-frame design utilising all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, friction shock absorbers and four-wheel drum brakes, the rakish Lagonda was nevertheless impeccably built. Powered by a 2931cc OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the model was a true Thoroughbred (a point reinforced by Lord de Clifford's fine performances aboard a Works 3-Litre on the 1931 Monte Carlo and 1932 RAC rallies). Eager to boost sales for the 1932 model year, Lagonda began experimenting with an innovative Maybach transmission which permitted clutchless gearchanging and yielded eight forward ratios. However, the downside to such sophistication was a significant weight increase not least because of the need for a new specially reinforced `ZM' type chassis frame. In an attempt to restore performance, the Staines manufacturer subsequently increased the 3-Litre powerplant's bore from 72mm to 75mm increasing its capacity to 3181cc. Although, the Maybach gearbox equipped `Selector Special' was short lived, the `ZM' type chassis frame and enlarged engine remained a feature of 3-Litre production until it ceased in 1934.

According to information kindly supplied by Arnold Davey of the Lagonda Club, this particular example was built in 1930 but not road registered until the following year. Emerging from the Works as a desirable Type Z3S T2 Tourer, its pre-WW2 existence is something of a mystery. Known to have belonged to the naturalist, sportsman and historian Captain Humphrey Drummond of Megginch Castle by the early 1950s, `KY 2832' then passed through the hands of W.G. Chester Esq of Marlow (1954-1967) and Brian Dearden-Briggs Esq of Whalley (1967 - ?). Upgraded with a later 3181cc unit at some point, the Lagonda had also undergone an extensive restoration by the time it entered the current ownership in 1982. Regularly maintained and exercised ever since its purchase from the Paradise Garage in London, the Tourer has covered just 1,200 miles during the course of the last twenty-seven years. The vendor informs us that: "The mechanics all seem to be in good working condition to the best of my knowledge. The car has always started and run well. There are no major oil leaks and the engine shows good oil pressure. The only work carried out in my possession being the installation of a new fan belt, fuel pump, exhaust down pipes and brake cables. The louvered bonnet sides did have a fabric covering which looked tatty so I had the material removed and the panels painted grey. The Lagonda has a really nice patina to it with a very interesting radiator mascot. I have enjoyed owning the 3-Litre but am offering it for sale so as to reduce a fourteen car collection".

As well as a hood, hood envelope, tonneau and sidescreens, `KY 2832' sports a central spotlight, Lucas `Bullseye' headlights, scuttle lights, rubber `diver's bell' rear lights and twin rear-mounted spare wheels. While other intriguing features include detachable aeroscreens that augment the windscreen when not in use, a brass plaque for `Hobdell, Way & Co Ltd, Engineers of London & Bradford' and the tool roll which sits behind a panel in the nearside passenger footwell. Riding on black painted Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels, this delightful Lagonda will reward close inspection.