1953 Lagonda Coupe

“ In lovely order throughout, with an engine rebuild by Headshops Aston Martin Specialists (inc. alternator conversion). ”One of the most revered names in automotive history, Lagonda is pungently redolent of all things archaically British.

BackgroundNamed after a native American (Shawnee) settlement in Ohio, Lagonda was founded in Staines, Middlesex, by Wilbur Gunn - a former opera singer born in Springfield, Ohio, USA in 1859.

Tractor manufacturer David Brown bought Lagonda in 1947, merging it with his other recent acquisition, Aston Martin, and basing the combined operation at Feltham.

Post-war Lagonda production was kick-started using a new straight-6 engine designed by W. O. Bentley. In various guises, this engine would go on to power Lagondas and several generations of Aston Martins until superseded by Tadek Marek’s legendary V8.

The David Brown organisation's take-over of Lagonda in 1947 allowed production of the latter's Bentley-designed all-new model to commence the following year, and at the same time made Lagonda's 2.6-litre twin-cam 'six' available for the new Aston Martins.

An advanced design employing a cruciform-braced chassis with independent suspension all round, the Lagonda was available as a saloon or drophead coupé, both with coachbuilt bodies.

The interior, with its leather upholstery, plentiful walnut and quality fittings, stood comparison with that of the very best in the luxury car class.

A Mark 2 version arrived in the autumn of 1952 boasting revisions to body and interior, as well as a Jackall self-jacking system.

Coachbuilders Tickford, of Newport Pagnell, had begun to play an increasingly important role as body suppliers during manufacture of the 2.6-litre, and when the new 3-litre model was announced in 1953, assumed sole responsibility for body production of the two models offered initially - a two-door saloon and drophead coupé - and the four-door saloon that followed.

Despite costing £3,420 in 1949 (a huge amount of money at the time) Lagonda managed to sell 390 saloons and 122 convertibles before production ceased in 1953.

Today, a 2.6-litre Lagonda DHC convertible is a rare car indeed, and the one we have here for you today is a very fine example of the breed.

OverviewThis Lagonda was purchased by the penultimate owner in 2016 from a fellow VSCC member who had previously purchased the car at auction in 2005.

The car was the subject of a comprehensive restoration some years ago and has been diligently cared-for and curated ever since.

The restoration was conducted by a previous owner who was a coachmaker by trade, and he carried out and oversaw the work through his business.

The project encompassed a full cosmetic restoration and refurbishment, including a retrimmed leather interior.

The engine was rebuilt by Aston Martin specialists Headshops of Warrington in 2015 and has covered fewer than 2,000 miles since. An alternator conversion was fitted during the electrical rewire.

The Lagonda has been kept safe, warm and dry as part of a collection since 2021, when the vendor bought it.

Over the years it has won hearts, minds and admiring glances at numerous events and shows, including the Tatton Park Classic Car Show and the Lagonda Club AGM at the De Vere Wokefield Estate.

The car is in excellent dynamic, mechanical and aesthetic condition.

It drives every bit as impressively as it looks…and it looks fabulous.

Estimate: £35,000 - £40,000

View Current Bid Price HERE