1936 Lagonda LG45 4½-Litre 'Rapide' Style Sports Tourer

• Converted to 'Rapide' specification by The Northern Lagonda Factory
• Offered from a significant British-themed collection
• Requires recommissioning

A 1937 model built late in 1936, this outstandingly attractive re-bodied Lagonda is modelled after the definitive LG45R Rapide of the mid-1930s and is one of a batch of six original LG45s converted to Rapide specification - in this case including the correct T9 gearbox - during the 1980s by the co-operative venture known as 'The Northern Lagonda Factory'.

When this particular car's comprehensive conversion into its present form had been completed, it was delivered to Mr Malcolm Hoyle, from whom it subsequently passed to the next owner via respected London dealer Danny Margulies. The engine was stripped and rebuilt by the highly-regarded marque specialists Cedar Classic Cars of Hartley Whitney, and when offered at Brooks' sale at Lord's Cricket Ground in July 1992 (Lot 166), the car was said to be in first-rate mechanical order. It had also benefited from considerable cosmetic work by one of the country's leading Aston Martin Lagonda specialists.

Following the aforementioned Brooks sale, the Lagonda made its way to a collection in South Africa. There it was used sparingly until, during an unoccupied poolside moment while on holiday in South Africa, our vendor purchased the car and repatriated it to the UK in 2017. Here it has resided within a significant British-themed collection and been used sparingly. A change of direction for the collection as a whole is the reason for its sale.

The bodywork generally presents well, though there are the usual marks around the front of the bonnet from opening and closing, and various minor blemishes in the paint (see condition photographs). The interior leather has a wonderful, aged feel to it, and the car has mellowed with the passage of time since its restoration prior to the 1992 Brooks. Today, the Lagonda does not look like a freshly restored example but has a very authentic feel to it.

Having been stored carefully for several years, the Lagonda was last used on the road by our vendor in 2019. We are advised that the magneto will need rebuilding before running, and it would benefit from a service and inspection before embarking on its next adventure. Luckly with a wealth of worldwide marque experts this should be an easy task for its new custodian.

The Lagonda LG45, especially in enhanced Rapide specification, was one of the most exciting and elegant British sports cars of the pre-war period and a true supercar of its day.