1932 Lagonda 16/80 Special Speed Six Open Tourer

For sale by auction on Saturday 07 March 2015 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
Lagonda was founded in 1906 in Staines. Middlesex by an
American. Wilbur Gunn. who had named the company after a river near
to his birthplace in Springfield. Ohio. United States. Mr.
Gunn had originally built motorcycles in the garden of his house in
Staines with reasonable success. including a win in the 1905 London
- Edinburgh trial. In 1907 he launched his first car; the 20hp. br/>six-cylinder Torpedo which he used to win the Moscow-St. Petersburg
trial of 1910. This success produced a healthy order for exports to
Russia which continued until 1914.
The first of the company's sports models was launched in 1925 as
the 14/60 with a twin-cam 1954cc. four cylinder engine and
hemispherical combustion chambers. The car was designed by Arthur
Davidson who had come from Lea-Francis. A higher output engine came
in 1927 with the two litre Speed Model followed by a Sports Touring
model. the 16/80. The first part of its name referred to its
fiscal horsepower rating of 16 with the second number in its name
referring to the car's bhp. However. one well informed owner
suggests that it may have referred to the car's claimed top speed
of 80mph. The car was unusual in being the only Lagonda to be
offered with a Crossley engine; however. each engine purchased was
stripped down by Lagonda. checked and fitted with twin SU
carburettors. according to their own specifications before becoming
the heart of a 16/80.

The previous owner acquired APG 489 in November 1978 with the
late Peter Garner of Landbeach owning the car before him. It is
reported to be utterly reliable during this period and was indeed
meticulously maintained for its owner by a respected and highly
skilled engineer who prepares vintage cars and motorcycles for
active competition. It now possesses a gentle patina that is only
acquired through careful ownership over many years. Approximately
24 years ago. its T3 body was repainted in its present British
Racing Green livery. The coachwork is upholstered in tan leather
and enjoys the benefit of a fold-down arm rest for the rear seat
complemented by leather-trimmed Wilton carpets. The particular
coachwork styling of this model includes useful luggage storage
space behind the back seat. Driving equipment includes a fine pair
of Marchal headlamps. Lucas side lamps and a Lucas centre
spot/driving lamp together with an impressive pair of Lucas trumpet
horns. The coachwork benefits from four doors and excellent weather
equipment includes hood and side screens. The car sits on 18 inch
wheels with a nearside mounted spare and the windscreen opens to
allow added ventilation. Concessions to reliable running include
the fitting of twin petrol pumps and two 12 volt batteries. A
delightful period piece is the early Ferranti radio which is still
operational and complements instrumentation which appears to be all
original or 'in-period'. More recently. she has undergone a £10. 00
comprehensive mechanical overhaul and now boasts a new radiator
core (to original pattern); an overhauled water pump with sealed
bearing; new prop shaft and rebalanced flywheel; new clutch; twin
fuel pumps. overhauled carburettors and starter motor.

New brake drums and relined shoes are also present with new
front tyres and tubes. Modern indicators are concealed in the
original lamps and the hood & sidescreens have been rejuvenated
and are in good original condition. It is now reported to be a
delight to drive with an original dash and all instruments
functioning. The engine is Sanction One unit but with the oil feed
uprated to Sanction Two specification.

Offered with a comprehensive history of invoices. MoT test
certificates and the original green log book. this model is
actively catered for by both The Vintage Sports-Car Club and The
Lagonda Club and is eminently suitable for the longer distance
motoring events.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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