1930 Lagonda 2 Litre Supercharged Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: GK 8901
Chassis No: OH 9811
Mot Expiry: Aug 2007

"Although conversant with the excellent road capabilities of the ordinary speed model, the performance of the supercharged car came as something of a revelation, for, while the acceleration has been improved out of all knowledge, flexibility is so good that the engine can be throttled down to give a road speed of 5mph" (The Motor, July 29th 1930)
A development of the Lagonda 2-litre that was driven by Andre D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes to 11th place overall at the 1928 Le Mans 24-hour race, the 'Low Chassis' model was introduced the following year. Benefiting from a redesigned front axle (complete with rerouted braking system) and rear suspension spacers etc, its reduced centre of gravity resulted in notably sharper handling. Powered by a 1954cc 'twin-cam' four-cylinder engine that boasted hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined overhead valves, the 'Low Chassis' was reckoned to be good for 80mph (though this was somewhat coachwork dependant). Concerned that rivals such as Alvis and Sunbeam were beginning to offer cars of similar performance, the Staines-based company unveiled a supercharged derivative at the Brooklands Fete on 19th July 1930. While, the attendant demonstrator wore a Powerplus single-rotor assembly, the majority of 'blown' production cars were specified with either Cozette No.9 (4psi) or altogether rarer Zoller (5-7psi) units.
Finished in black with brown leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "very good" (four-speed manual gearbox), "very good / original" (interior trim) or "excellent" (engine, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. An original Type 2B T2 model, 'GK 8091' was registered new on November 1st 1930. Known to have exchanged its original supercharged engine (No. 2B1558) for another supercharged unit (No. 2B1020) at some stage, the Tourer first came to the attention of the Lagonda Club during January 1949. Passing through the hands of Mr Gerald Emmerson (Kent, 1949), Mr J.D. Gilbert (Essex, 1959) and Mr Roland Morgan (London, 1962), it was to remain in the latter's possession for some forty odd years before entering the current ownership. Subsequently treated to an extensive but very sympathetic 'body off' restoration, the 2 Litre is a joy to behold. Mechanically overhauled, the car received attention to its engine (new pistons, reprofiled camshafts etc), gearbox, back axle, steering (new kingpins, bushes), brakes (fresh linings, renewed cables, skimmed drums etc), cooling system (refurbished radiator, overhauled water pump), electrics (rejuvenated magneto), wiring, clutch (relined), shock absorbers / tele-controls, wheels (shot-blasted, powder-coated), tyres / tubes and Zoller blower (rebuilt Pilgrim pump, new outer casing, blades, races, guides, seals etc). While cosmetically, it was enhanced with a new hood, hood bag, air cushions and carpets. Reputedly still playing host to both its original fabric covering and factory-fitted upholstery, the ash frame was repaired as necessary. Repainted in black cellulose and benefiting from sundry rechroming, the Tourer has covered just 300 or so miles since work was completed. A complete timewarp even down to its original sidescreens (most of which retain their 'Lagonda' directional plaques), 'GK 8091' was judged 'Best 2 Litre' overall at the September 2006 Lagonda Club A.G.M Concours. Worthy of the closest inspection, this remarkable supercharged Lagonda is offered for sale with photographic restoration record, MOT certificate valid until August 21st 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until August 31st 2007.