1932 Lagonda 2-Litre Low Chassis Continental Tourer

• Rare Post-Vintage Thoroughbred
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 2018
• Bare-metal re-spray and other recent refurbishment

Lagonda's early success had been founded on the production of light cars, but the company changed direction in the mid-1920s with the introduction of the 14/60. The latter abandoned the firm's traditional in-unit gearbox in favour of a midships-mounted transmission, but of greater technical interest was the engine. Designed by Arthur Davidson, the 2.0-litre 'four' featured twin camshafts that were mounted high in the block, operating inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output of this advanced design was a highly respectable 60bhp.

For the 1929 season, a 'low chassis' Speed Model was introduced, featuring revisions to the frame's front end and a higher-compression engine fitted with twin carburettors. The Speed Model had resulted from the factory's Le Mans effort of 1928, when the 2-Litre driven by André D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes had finished 11th overall in the 24-Hour endurance race. A classic example of racing improving the breed, the 'low chassis' 2-Litre possessed markedly superior handling characteristics courtesy of its lower centre of gravity.

The final Speed Model variant was the Continental, which featured a slanting, slatted radiator and bigger brakes. Another distinguishing feature was its 18"-diameter wheels, which had the effect of lowering the overall gearing for improved acceleration.

This car's ID plate on the bulkhead is marked 'CB', denoting a Continental model, and 'T4' referring to the body type. The T4 body was made of steel and had cycle wings as standard; there were two small doors on the nearside and one on the offside, with the driver having to climb in via a triangular recess. Photographs taken in the 1930s show that 'GY 9963' had Speed Model wings, and therefore it seems reasonable to assume they were fitted by the factory to special order. During restoration they were replaced with cycle wings and running boards correct for the Continental (the original Speed Model wings are supplied with the Lot).

Ordered new by Gaffikin Williams & Co of Hanover Square in London, the Continental was first owned by one Geoffrey Bowman of Stanmore followed by a handful of others (list available) before passing in November 1963 to Mr D Parker, who would keep it for the next 55 years. Sold from his estate in 2018, the car was purchased by our vendor that same year.

Since acquisition the car has been treated to a bare-metal repaint (in 2022); a recent magneto rebuild and new ignition leads; and rewiring and updating of the electrics. Our vendor advises that the engine is running well, that the chassis has been Waxoyled and is solid, and that the interior – previously reupholstered by Lagonda – is nicely patinated. In all other respects the car is described as in working order. This ultra-rare Post-Vintage Thoroughbred is offered with restoration invoices, an old-style logbook and a V5C Registration Certificate.