Footnotes

"Beauty of line, power and grace, superlative comfort and proud dignity are embodied in the three litre Lagonda Tickford Saloon and Drophead Coupe." - Lagonda advertisement.

The David Brown organisation's take-over of Lagonda in 1947 allowed production of the latter's W O Bentley-designed all-new model to commence the following year, and at the same time made Lagonda's 2.6-litre twin-cam 'six' available for the new Aston Martins. An advanced design employing a cruciform-braced chassis with independent suspension all round, the Lagonda was available as a saloon or drophead coupé, both with coachbuilt bodies. The interior with its leather upholstery, plentiful walnut and quality fittings stood comparison with that of the very best in the luxury car class. A Mark 2 version arrived in the autumn of 1952 boasting revisions to body and interior, as well as a Jackall self-jacking system.

Coachbuilders Tickford of Newport Pagnell had begun to play an increasingly important role as body suppliers during manufacture of the 2.6-Litre, and when the new 3-Litre model was announced in 1953 they assumed sole responsibility for body production of the two models offered initially - a two-door saloon and drophead coupé - and that of the four-door saloon that followed. The newly enlarged engine now produced 140bhp, an output good enough for a top speed in excess of 100mph. Expensive to produce and necessarily exclusive, the luxurious Lagondas found high-profile owners including HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (who had two dropheads) and actor Peter Ustinov (just the one).

One of an estimated 47 'Mark 1' dropheads built, this left-hand drive example was retailed by Brooklands of Bond Street having been ordered fully loaded with just about every conceivable optional 'extra':

Power operated hood; Hood envelope and bag for same; Chromium surround to front number plate; Double rubbing strips to rear wings; Special ventilating windows; Cigarette box on fascia; 2 Magnatex wing mirrors; Chromium bumper sets; 4 built-in armrests; Zip to rear window; Dunlopillo filling to front seats; Fluted rubber mat to front carpet; Dunlop whitewall tyres & Lifeguard inner tubes; Lucas Day & Night driving mirror; Instruction book

The car is offered with an old purchase invoice (2010) and a State of Oklahoma Certificate of Title (issued 1989). This car will require recommissioning after a long period in storage. It requires mechanical and aesthetic work but it appears to provide a solid base to start improving upon. Please note import taxes will be liable if the car is to remain in the EU.