1932 Lagonda 3-Litre Special T3 Tourer

• Rare and desirable Post-Vintage Thoroughbred
• Present family ownership since 1966
• Assiduously maintained and used regularly
• Comprehensive history file (perusal recommended)
• Recently recommissioned

Founded by ex-patriate American Wilbur Gunn in 1898, Lagonda built successful motorcycles and forecars before venturing into motor manufacture proper in the early years of the 20th century. Having established its reputation by winning the Moscow - St Petersburg Reliability Trial of 1910 with a 30hp six, the Staines-based firm concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920s. This change of direction was signalled by the introduction of the '14/60' model in 1925. A lighter, more powerful and faster (80mph) 2-Litre Speed Model was introduced for 1927, after which the '14/60' was dropped.

Lagonda were less adventurous when asked to come up with a larger, six-cylinder engine for the new '16/65' model. Originally of 2,692cc, the seven-bearing overhead-valve unit was enlarged to 2,931cc (and later to 3,181cc) to create the 3-Litre model of 1928, finally being stretched to 3,619cc for the short-lived 3½-Litre in 1934, by which time the Meadows-engined cars were seen as the way forward. The '16/65' and early 3-Litre models, many of which were bodied by Lagonda using the Weymann system of flexibly framed, fabric covered coachwork, were intended for the carriage trade. From 1929 onwards though, the model was available in sporting 'low chassis' form, this new frame having resulted from the company's racing experience.

Testing a Lagonda 3-Litre in 1929, The Motor reckoned it was 'difficult to imagine a car nearer an ideal than one which combines the full performance of a speed model with the top gear performance of the best modern touring car.' The 3-litre was, indeed, exceptionally flexible, being able to accelerate from 5mph to its maximum of around 80mph in top gear. Motor Sport summed up the 3-Litre Lagonda as 'a very pleasant car of very high quality, and possessing that indefinable but very definite character which stamps the thoroughbred in every walk of life' – sentiments with which we can only concur.

Built towards the end of 1931, this Lagonda 3-Litre was not first registered until 7th November 1932, its first owner being a Mr Percy Woodhead of Marple Bridge, near Stockport, who is named on the accompanying original guarantee form and original buff logbook. (The latter records the chassis number as '10038', an obvious in-period typo). Mr Woodhead kept the car until 1958, and it was taxed continually apart from a few years during the war. 'MV 4034' then had three further owners before the lady vendor's late father purchased the car in 1966. As one would expect, most of the major components have been overhauled since then. It is also worthwhile noting that the T3 body is rare on a 3-Litre as most were fitted to the supercharged 2-Litre chassis.

In 1996, 'MV 4034' was featured on the front cover and in an article in the April edition of The Automobile magazine (copy on file). The magazine's tester was full of praise for the Lagonda: "This is certainly a very smooth and comfortable car to drive. It is ideal for covering long distances as it will comfortably maintain 70mph, a speed not much reduced by climbing main road hills. Generally the car handles as a typical post-vintage tourer should, that is to say it has no particular vices! The engine is notable for its extreme flexibility, and the torque it provides is sufficient to reduce gear changing to the minimum..." Even the brakes, so often the 'Achilles Heel' of older vehicles, were found to be exemplary, requiring surprisingly little pressure to stop repeatedly from relatively high speed.

Since the late owner passed away, the family has continued to enjoy the Lagonda, which was recommissioned in 2024 (digital images of the recommissioning are available and the car also comes with a box containing the servicing and parts purchased history dating back to 1964). One of two, this same box also contains a workshop manual for 2-Litre Lagonda gearboxes; a Lagonda Club illustrated spares catalogue; and a Lagonda & Invicta spare parts list. Also on file are two old-style continuation logbooks and a selection of press cuttings, including one picturing the late Formula 1 World Champion Graham Hill in the rear passengers' seat. This material may be found in the second box file together with a quantity of tax discs and MoTs; personal correspondence; Profile Publications' 'The 4½-Litre Lagondas'; and 'Lagonda in the Thirties' by R M Clarke. The car also comes with an original Instruction Book from 1932; Vintage Lagonda Handbook (2006 edition); and three books on the marque by Lagonda Club stalwart, Arnold Davey. The car also very rarely has its full hood and side screens, a complete and largely original toolbox and two suitcases. In addition, there are a number of spares with the car including a used gearbox, which will need to be collected from the vendor post sale.

Benefiting from careful long-term ownership and recent mechanical recommissioning, this highly desirable Post-Vintage Thoroughbred is now in need of an enthusiastic new custodian.