1954 Lagonda 3-Litre Three-position Drophead Coupé, Coachwork by Coachwork by Tickford Registration no. not registered Chassis no. LB/290/1/96

Odometer reading: TBC
MOT: N/A

*One of an estimated 44 Mark 1 drophead coupés produced
*Only eight owners from new
*Floor-mounted manual gearshift

David Brown's take-over of Lagonda in 1947 allowed production of their W O Bentley-designed all-new model to commence the following year, while making Lagonda's 2.6-litre twin-cam 'six' available for the new Aston Martins. An advanced design employing a cruciform-braced chassis with independent front suspension and inboard rear brakes, the Lagonda was available as a saloon or drophead coupé, both coachbuilt. The interior with its leather upholstery, plentiful walnut veneer and quality fittings stood comparison with that of the very best in the luxury car class. Expensive to produce and necessarily exclusive, the luxurious Lagondas did not sell as well as expected, though high-profile owners included HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (who had two dropheads) and actor Peter Ustinov (just the one).
One of an estimated 44 'Mark 1' dropheads built, this 3-Litre example was retailed by Brooklands of Bond Street and delivered in December 1954 finished in Circassian Blue with matching interior and grey convertible hood. The AMOC Register (2000) records the Lagonda as belonging to one M Tait and registered 'RYH 370' (previously 'PXE 6'). The current owner purchased the car at a UK auction in October 2010, at which time its engine was described as rebuilt recently in Belgium by specialists LMB of Wommelgem. Notable features include grey Connolly leather trim; polished walnut dashboard and door trim, heater; radio; (rare) floor-mounted gearchange; and built-in hydraulic jacks. At the time of the last sale in 2010 the Lagonda was said to have had only seven owners from new and to have recently undergone complete re-commissioning to bring it to working order.
This charming Lagonda has been on static display for a number of years and as such will require recommissioning prior to road use. Please also note this Lot is subject to UK import tax at the reduced rate of 5% if it is to remain in the UK.

Vendor Score Total: 58 /100

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Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 1