Lagonda was founded in Staines by American former opera singer, Wilbur Gunn, who died in 1920. They made about 700 cars a year in the early 1920s, falling to about 200 later in the decade. They made almost everything, including nuts and bolts, in house. The company went bust in 1935, and was bought from the receiver by Alan Good, who employed W. O. Bentley to revitalise the company. Lagonda expanded for war production, but had little to keep them going afterwards, and no steel ration for cars. David Brown was the saviour, who purchased the company and combined it with Aston Martin.
Lagonda 11 hp
An advanced small car, with panhard rod suspension and a rivetted unibody. Apparently, had the world’s first fly-off handbrake. Early 11.1 versions replaced by 11.9 1421cc in 1920 and 12/24 in 1923.
Years
1913-23 (12: 1923-26)
Engine
1099cc S4
Body Style
Convertible coupé
Production
c. 6000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda 14/60 2-Litre Speed Model
Represents a move towards more sporting and more luxury motoring. 16/65 available from 1926. Lagonda made their own bodies.
Years
1925-31 (16: 1926-30)
Engine
1954cc S4
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, fabric saloon
Production
1440 + c. 250 16/65
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda 3-Litre
New 6-cylinder engine, enlarged from 1933 when the 2-litre replacement, the 16/80 was launched (with a Crossley-based engine).
Years
1929-34
Engine
2931/3181cc S6
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
c. 570
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda 16/80
2-Litre replacement
Years
1933-35
Engine
1991cc S6
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
260
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda Rapier
High-revving exciting, if heavy baby Lagonda. Rights and parts sold to a separate company after the 1935 administration.
Years
1934-35
Engine
2931/3181cc S6
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
c. 470
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda M45 4.5-Litre
Meadows engine. Close to 100 mph.
Years
1929-34
Engine
2931/3181cc S6 Meadows
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
c. 410
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda M45R 4.5-Litre Rapide
Higher-compression engine, stiffer suspension, 104 mph at Brooklands. The car shown won Le Mans in 1935.
Years
1935
Engine
2931/3181cc S6
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
25
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda LG45
W. O. Bentley’s much-refined Lagonda. Revised as LG6.Rapide 2-seaters from 1939.
Years
1936-37 LG6: 1938-40
Engine
2931/3181cc S6
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
278 + 85
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda LG45 Le Mans
Factory replica of new owners’ team car for the cancelled 1936 Le Mans.
Years
1936
Engine
2931/3181cc S6
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, limousine
Production
c. 570
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lagonda V12
New 12-cylinder engine. A swan song for pre-war British cars, for W. O. Bentley, and for the independent Lagonda.
Years
1938-40
Engine
4480cc V12 DOC
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, DHC, Rapide coupé, saloon de ville, Sedanca, limousine
Production
189
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.