LOT 445

1935 Lagonda 4½-Litre M45 Pillar-less Sports Saloon Registration no. BTN 575 Chassis no. Z11155

Estimate: £90,000 - £120,000

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Lot 445

1935 Lagonda 4½-Litre M45 Pillar-less Sports Saloon
Registration no. BTN 575 Chassis no. Z11155

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1935 Lagonda 4½-Litre M45 Pillar-less Sports Saloon
Registration no. BTN 575
Chassis no. Z11155

Odometer reading: TBC
MOT: Exempt

*One of the fastest British sporting cars of its era
*Formerly part of the Brinley 'Brin' Edwards collection
*Running and driving beautifully

To view a video of this lot please click here

Footnotes

The 4½-Litre Lagonda was one of the most accomplished sports cars of the 1930s, as a succession of high-profile race wins, culminating in victory at Le Mans in 1935, amply demonstrates. In 1934 a team of three specially prepared short-chassis cars (effectively the soon-to-be-announced M45 Rapide) prepared by Lagonda main agents Fox & Nicholl performed creditably at the RAC Tourist Trophy at Ards, and the following year one of these TT cars driven by John Hindmarsh and Luis Fontes won the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance classic outright. Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Show and based on the preceding ZM 3-Litre model, the M45 deployed Meadows' 4½-litre, twin-plug six to good effect, saloons being capable of reaching 90mph and tourers 'the ton' under favourable conditions.

This Lagonda M45 pillar-less saloon was purchased in Birmingham circa 13 years ago by former owner, the late Brinley 'Brin' Edwards. It was driven back to his home in Cornwall and used only for the occasional wedding and school prom. The current vendor purchased the Lagonda when Brin's private collection was sold at Bonhams' Goodwood Members' Meeting sale in March 2018 (Lot 15). David Ayre then carried out servicing and re-commissioning, and bills for these works are on file. Offered from a prominent private collection, this rare pillar-less sports saloon is running and driving beautifully. The ultimate owner/driver Lagonda.

Vendor Score Total: 60 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 3

Additional information

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