1931 Lagonda 2 Litre 'Low Chassis' Speed Model Tourer

Registration No: PJ 2716
Chassis No: OH10067
MOT: Exempt

• Began life as a Supercharged model complete with factory T3 Tourer coachwork
• Remodelled in period with an altogether more attractive 'bustle' rear and bespoke hood
• Much improved during the current ownership via a thorough engine overhaul and suspension work etc
• Previously featured on the front cover of The Automobile magazine and in 'Lagonda Heritage' by Richard Bird
• Owned by Lagonda Club stalwart W.J.B. Anderson from 1975 - 2007 and extensively restored in that time

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. Thus equipped, a 'Low Chassis' 2-litre was reputedly capable of 90mph. Underlining their performance advantage, the Lord de Clifford piloted one to 4th place overall on the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally, while St Albans motorcar dealer W.M. Couper used another one to capture a Glacier Cup on the next year's Alpine Rally.

First registered in Surrey on January 14^th 1932 (or so its ‘PJ 2716’ number plate would imply), chassis OH10067 began life as a supercharged 2 Litre ‘Low Chassis’ Speed Model complete with factory T3 Tourer coachwork. Surviving World War Two, the Lagonda had had its rear end elegantly reshaped and a bespoke hood frame made by the time that Dr Roger Kirkpatrick took possession in 1951. Custodian for the next six years, the anaesthetist is understood to have commissioned the neat luggage rack which remains in situ from the Bristol Hospital Workshop. Passing through the hands of Bruce Balcombe, Adair Robson, Ron Autiss, Adair Robson (again) and Roland Morgan thereafter, ‘PJ 2716’ came with two engines but had fallen into disrepair when Lagonda Club stalwart W.J.B. Anderson acquired it during 1975. Undeterred, he treated the 2 Litre ‘Low Chassis’ to a ground up restoration over the next few years (various photos relating to which remain on file). Contributing various articles to the Lagonda Club, Mr Anderson kept the Tourer for over three decades before selling it to Channel Islands resident John Refault in 2007. The latter had the bonnet and wings bare metal painted, the fabric body cleaned and the interior smartened (redyed leather, fresh carpets, revarnished dashboard etc) as well as fitting a new front valance, stainless steel exhaust and running boards.

Returning to the UK mainland in September 2014, the four-seater entered the current ownership the following May for the princely sum of £83,000. Substantially improved over the past decade, more than the guide price has been spent on a thorough engine overhaul (including the purchase of a new downdraught cylinder head) plus attention to the rear axle (new half shafts), radiator, clutch, water pump, suspension and carburettors etc. The engine’s timing case is stamped with the number ‘2B 1068’ which is indicative of a supercharged unit. The vendor bought a period blower but did not reinstate it on the basis that the downdraught cylinder head gave improved performance but without the complexity of force-fed induction. Still highly presentable and, to our eyes, far more attractive than a standard T3 Tourer, ‘PJ 2716’ started readily during our recent photography session. Featured on the front cover of The Automobile magazine and in the book ‘Lagonda Heritage’ by Richard Bird whilst in Mr Anderson’s care, this undeniably handsome Post-Vintage Thoroughbred is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, numerous bills, period photos and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737