Lot details
Registration No: DPF 421
Chassis No: 12035
Mot Expiry: June 2013

Chassis 12035 was in a very sorry state by the time it entered the current ownership. Not only was the LG45's remaining pillarless saloon coachwork beyond practicable (let alone economic) repair but its original 4.5 litre straight-six petrol engine had been supplanted by a Gardner diesel powerplant. A retired engineer and long-term Lagonda enthusiast, the vendor decided to use chassis 12035 as the basis of a Team Car Evocation. Given free access to a similar machine that the late Peter Whenman of marque specialist Vintage Coachworks had built using Mrs Anne 'Robbie' Hewitt's genuine ex-1934 TT and 1935 Le Mans 24-hours M45 Fox & Nicholl Team Car as a reference point, the project took some two and a half years to complete. With its wheelbase shortened to the correct 10ft 3in length, the chassis was meticulously reconditioned prior to being reunited with restored front/rear axles, rejuvenated road springs, re-lined Girling drum brakes and fully functioning Andre Hydro Telecontrol shock absorbers. Acquired from Captain Ivan Forshaw of Aston Services Dorset many years previously, the authentic M45 engine was thoroughly overhauled with its internal components crack tested as necessary. Stripped and checked, the Alvis four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox is a common modification within Lagonda circles and makes for an altogether more enjoyable driving experience. Fabricated from aluminium, the four-seater bodywork is commendably lightweight and accurately mimics that fitted to the M45 Fox & Nicholl duo 'BPK 202' and 'BPK 203'. Covering some 700 miles (including trips to Prescott and Goodwood) since returning to the road in June 2012, 'DPF 421' will require another 1,300 miles of running-in. A real credit to its creator, this magnificent Lagonda is worthy of close inspection.