1935 Lagonda M35R ST44 Pillarless Saloon

• One of an estimated 65 3½-Litre cars built
• Very rare coachwork
• Only three previous registered keepers
• Present ownership since 2002 and driven only once
• Offered from a private collection

The final incarnation of Lagonda's big six-cylinder engine arrived in 1934 powering the new 3½-litre M35. Though endowed with highly respectable performance - 90mph was within the tourer's reach on a good day - the M35R was soon superseded by the 4½-litre Meadows-engined M45, a mere 65-or-so 3½-Litre cars being completed before production ceased at the end of 1935.

'BXU 795' is one of the very few survivors fitted with the factory's 'Silent Travel' pillarless saloon coachwork. Rare and increasingly sought after, these closed cars offered supreme comfort and luxury, with easy access for back-seat passengers via the rear-hinged doors. This example has had only three previous registered keepers and has belonged to the last (now deceased) owner since 2002.

The history file contains much interesting historical information including the purchase agreement and guarantee from 1935; instruction books; a lubrication chart and wiring diagrams, as well as a current V5C Registration Certificate. The first owner for over 20 years lived in Carmarthenshire, and a substantial quantity of notes and correspondence in the file relates to his ownership, including the car's lay-up period during WW2 and through to May 1955. Sadly, he notes that the tools were lost during the war.

In 1946 and again in 1952 the speedometer was replaced at 27,282 and 23,513 miles respectively. The current odometer reading is 24,209 miles suggesting a total of around 75,000 miles from new, although this remains uncertain. The Lagonda stayed in Wales until 2002 and it is understood that it had been treated to a full repaint and chromework re-plating before the deceased owner bought it. The owner was a collector and only drove the car once shortly after purchase. While the Lagonda was in his collection he arranged for the clutch to be relined, a new timing chain fitted, and general recommissioning and an MoT carried out.

The brown leather seats are said to be original and in overall good condition apart from a couple of small tears, while the rest of the interior is in a similarly good state of preservation. All the original dashboard instruments and fittings are present and correct. Externally, the bodywork is described as very good; the paint excellent apart from a few small scratches; and the chrome as 'flawless'. In January 1990 the Lagonda was certified by the VSCC as having 'all original genuine components including chassis, engine crankcasing, gearbox casings, back axle casings, front axle beam and brakes'. In short: this is a highly original car that has not been molested.