Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

MOTOR CARS c 1

The newly enlarged (to 2,922cc) engine now produced 140bhp, an
output good enough for a top speed in excess of 100mph despite the
gain in weight over the '2.6'.

In October 1955 a revised Mark 2 model was introduced and the range
reduced to the four-door saloon only after only five Mark 2 dropheads
had been completed. Expensive to produce and necessarily exclusive,
the luxurious Lagondas did not sell as well as their manufacturer had
hoped, though high-profile owners included HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
(who had two dropheads) and actor Peter Ustinov (just the one).

Completed in June 1953, this late 2.6-Litre Mark 2 comes with its (copy)
order form recording two changes of engine early in the car's life: from
the original LBG5054 to the 3-litre VBJ74 in November 1953,
and then to the current 'VB6J/130' in June 1954. A new gearbox was
fitted in November 1953, and a brake servo conversion in February 1955.
The original colour scheme was silver metallic with red interior trim and
grey hood, and the car was first registered as TPC 110.

In its section devoted to the Lagonda 2.6-Litre, the AMOC Register notes

that 'LAG/50/506' was a 'bare Mark 2 chassis (supplied) to Brooklands'.

There was never an official 2.-Litre Mark 2 drophead, though the

Register does record a handful of Mark 2 chassis going to Brooklands for

bodying by Tickford as DHCs.

The Lagonda's original purchaser was Guy Salmon Automobiles of

Thames Ditton, Surrey. Three further owners are listed, commencing with

garage proprietor and Formula 1 team owner, Rob Walker" the others are

Major J Scott Hopkins of Farnborough (January 1956) and one A J Linnell

of Wilbye, Northamptonshire (June 195). Acquired by the current owner

in 2013, the Lagonda was fully restored in 2015/2016, the engine being

overhauled by LMB in Antwerp, Belgium. Photographic documentation

and bills are available. Finished in dark red with cream leather interior, the

car is said to drive beautifully and is described as 'new' in all departments

except for the interior, which is rated as 'good'.

Offered with an old-style logbook, expired MoT certificates, and an owners

manual, 'LAG/50/506' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one

of these exclusive and luxurious Lagondas, possessing the added cachet

of association with Formula 1's most successful private entrant.

£100,000 - 150,000

€120,000 - 180,000