1934 Lagonda M35 Special

• A very rare 3 1/2-Litre Lagonda
• Used on local rallies
• Running but will require some gentle recommissioning

"Summed up, the 3½-litre Lagonda is a car of character which abounds in practical features of the kind appreciated by the motorist of experience. In these days of high-speed engines, the fitting of a big power unit capable of handling high gear ratios is a distinctive characteristic. It would be difficult to select a more appropriate vehicle for fast and lengthy journeys." – Motor.

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, this advanced 2-litre 'four' featured twin high-mounted camshafts operating inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Davidson was less adventurous when asked to come up with a larger, six-cylinder engine for the 16/65. Originally of 2,692cc, the overhead-valve unit was enlarged to 2,931cc (and later to 3,181cc) to create the 3-Litre model of 1928.

The final incarnation of Lagonda's big six-cylinder engine arrived in 1934 powering the new 3½-litre M35. Displacing 3,619cc, the seven-bearing unit resided in a short-wheelbase (10' 3") variant of the 3-Litre chassis. 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endowed with highly respectable performance - 90mph was within the tourer's reach on a good day - the M35R was soon superseded by the 4½-litre Meadows-engined M45, a mere 65-or-so 3½-Litre cars being completed before production ceased at the end of 1935.

Our vendor has owned this 1934 Lagonda 3½-Litre since 2014 when he acquired it from a dear old friend. Although the car was running well, it needed a body restoration which the owner and his friend planned to do together. They took the Lagonda to some local vintage rallies while the rest of the time it was stored in a brand-new wood-lined container. Unfortunately, the arrival of Covid stopped any plans of restoration and sadly not long after the end of Covid the owner's friend and Lagonda mentor died. The owner is still working and has a few health related issues, hence the decision to put the Lagonda up for sale. According to our vendor, the car is running but requires tuning. The car is offered with a V5 document and a genuine workshop manual. A carburettor float and starting handle which came with it are included in the sale.