1955 LAGONDA 3-Litre Drop Head Coupe by Tickford
The Sophisticated Brainchild of W. O. Bentley and David Brown. Few owners from new, atching Numbers
1955 Lagonda DB3-Litre Three Position DHCs/n LB290/1/94, ngine no. VB6H/290Maroon over Beige Leather Interior and Beige soft-top
The 2.6 Litre was Lagonda’s first postwar model, nd was a technically sophisticated clean sheet design that owed its existence to some of the best and brightest names in British motoring: Frank Feeley, .O. Bentley, nd David Brown. The exterior coachwork was designed by Frank Feeley, ho also designed the Aston Martin DB2, hile the mechanical components, articularly the lovely twin-cam inline-6, ere designed by W.O. Bentley, nd David Brown provided additional technical refinements and the backing to put the car in production.
The heart of the car and its story is famously W.O. Bentley’s 2.6 liter dual overhead cam inline-6 that also powered the DB2. W.O. Bentley had joined Lagonda in 1935, fter his three year obligation to Rolls-Royce was met following their absorption of Bentley Motors Ltd. in late 1931. In the 1930s, e was Lagonda’s chief designer and was responsible for their sophisticated V12 engine and several other sophisticated cars during the interwar years. After World War II, e designed the 2.6 liter twin cam inline-6 for the Lagonda 2.6 Litre, nd it is reportedly this engine specifically that motivated David Brown to purchase Lagonda in 1947 since he had purchased Aston Martin earlier that year and was still utilizing the pushrod actuated inline-4 that Aston had on hand. Ultimately, he 2.6 Litre became W.O. Bentley’s last car design.
When Brown bought Lagonda in 1947, hey were already working on the 2.6 Litre, hich, n addition to Bentley’s inline-6, ad a host of other sophisticated features. This included independent suspension all round (including coil springs and dual wishbones at the front), nboard rear brakes, nd X braced chassis. While prototypes had a Cotal pre-selector gearbox, avid Brown supplanted this with the “David Brown” synchronized 4-speed gearbox, lso shared with the DB2. The cars were available in open, losed, nd saloon forms, nd were sophisticated, uxurious, nd expensive.
In 1953, he 2.6 Litre was replaced by the 3.0 Litre, hich, s the name implied, ad a larger engine, chieved by boring the cylinders out. Interestingly, he enlarged Lagonda engine was available in the 3.0 Litre fully eight months prior to the larger engine becoming available in the DB2/4. The 3.0 Litre had more modern styling, iving the cars newfound elegance. They were longer and lower and had better performance and a sporting feel provided by the inclusion of rack and pinion steering and then floor change gearshift. Approximately 270 examples of all three bodystyles (including 2-door saloon and 4-door saloon) were built.
The Duke of Edinburgh (for a time he was honorary president of the Lagonda Club) owned a similar car, ou can see a fascinating video:http://www.britishpathe.com/video/duke-of-edinburgh-plays-polo/query/lagonda
This particular car is a matching-number example of the 2nd series. Only 39 cars were built with Mk2 specifications (most significant change from the 1st series being the gear-shift from steering column mounted to floor mounted. Well, total production of 55 Lagonda 3-litre DHC makes these cars exceedingly rare, pecially today as not many remain and even less with their original engine/drivetrain.
Delivered new to GE Bissell & Co in 1955, y Lagonda was then sold to a Swedish collector in 1974, e kept the car until 2000.
These Lagonda cars were bodied in aluminium by coach builder Tickford Limited, lso based in Newport Pagnell. David Brown purchased Tickford in 1955, ollowing his acquisition of Aston Martin (1947) and Lagonda (1948).
The car has a fantastic look, n its stunning colour combination of maroon and beige, ith whitewall tyres. The body is straight and solid, ith excellent gaps. The paint is not fresh and that gives the car an even more appealing original appearance. The chrome is intact. The glasses are perfect.
The interior has a wonderful authentic patina. The leather seats are in fine shape, re superbly mellowed, nd absolutely should not be redone. The wood is unwarped and uncracked, n excellent condition. The wood trim itself has excellent integrity. The switches and instruments are in fine shape. The carpets are in very good shape.The "3-position" soft top is of high quality and almost new.
The engine compartment is clean and well detailed. The twin cam engine is a beautiful unit that will be familiar to an Aston Martin enthusiast, nd it’s amusingly enjoyable to see it in a different car. The trunk is also in good original condition. The undercarriage is extremely solid and sound. The car also has built-in hydraulic jacks.
The car runs, rives, teers and brakes as it should. Everything works perfectly, o worries even for a long distance drive or in the modern traffic. It pleasantly drives smoothly and effortlessly. The engine was fully overhauled by Aston Martin specialist Headshop in the UK, ot many miles ago.
It has always been dry stored, ontributing no doubt to its fine overall condition. It has recently undergone a complete recommissioning, ncluding full detailing and maintenance, o ensure that a new owner receives a car in perfect working order.
This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire an unusual thoroughbred car with great history and integrity. A structurally exceptional example with interesting history and essentially few long-term ownerships. It has a lovely patina and a surprising level of mechanical sophistication, o be expected from a car emerging from the minds of W. O. Bentley and David Brown.
With the car: original buff service manual, wner's manual, riginal sale brochure, arts catalogue, ooks and period literature, bespoke soft car cover.
I decided to reduce my collection by the end of this year and I set a very sensible reserve, onsidering the rarity, he historical importance and the superb condition of my car.
I will be pleased to provide further information to the interested parties.
You can see hundreds pictures of my car at this link: https://lagondadhc dot shutterfly dot com
The car is located in Monte Carlo, onaco.I can assist with shipping/transportation. I know we can get the car from Monaco to England for about £700, n enclosed truck. Or shipping to the main US east-coast ports for about $2,000.
A $1,000 deposit is due within 24 hours from the end of the auction. The balance within 7 days.
For sale by owner, n Aston Martin Owners Club member.