Vehicle Description
In 1935, Lagonda had its back against the wall. With all of the
press and prestige that came with the M45's surprise victory at the
LeMans 24 hour race, not enough buyers were stepping up and the
firm was facing receivership. Management had brought in 29 year old
Alan P. Good, a financial wizard who amassed enough investors to
save the firm. Good, along with recent arrival W.O. Bentley were
motivated to build the finest cars in the world. Bentley had
recently lost control of his own firm to Rolls-Royce, and was given
a menial title and treated as a glorified test driver, so he was
eager to utilize his engineering skills and attempt to humble the
bosses at Rolls-Royce. He set to work at Lagonda designing an
all-new and highly advanced V12 engine that would go head-to-head
with the new Rolls-Royce Phantom III. The Lagonda V12 was a marvel
of technical sophistication - powerful and turbine smooth, yet also
notoriously complex and expensive. It is said that even an
experienced Lagonda engineer required a full 18 hours to dismantle
the V12, and that's with all the special tools at hand. Alongside
the new V12, Lagonda continued to refine their Meadows-supplied 4.5
liter inline six that had been in service since 1933, powering the
M45 and LG45 as well Invicta's 4.5 and others. Given the complexity
and development time required of the twelve, it was wise to offer
the Meadows six alongside as an alternative power plant. While it
may seem like "half the engine" of its V12 counterpart, the six was
surprisingly similar in many ways - 4479 cc for the V12 and 4453 cc
for the six - with output equally similar, the twelve making 160
horsepower to the six's 140. Many of the improvements for the
Sanction 4 Meadows engine were courtesy of Harry Weslake - the
great engineer who would design numerous Grand Prix and sports car
race-winning engines. The uprated Meadows engine was soon mated
with the advanced chassis of the V12 model to form a sporting car
that would be considered Lagonda's ultimate six-cylinder model: The
LG6 Rapide. We are honored to offer chassis number 12358 - one of
just six LG6 Rapide Dropheads built. This magnificent automobile
features four-place drophead coupe coachwork, designed in-house by
the great Frank Feeley. According to the accompanying original
registration logbook, it was first registered "DFG 800" on June 14,
1939 to Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Lindsay. Lt. Col. Lindsay would
own this car until 1953 and it is said that he drove the car as its
name implies, and that he thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
This LG6 would have been one of the fastest cars of its day, and
Lindsay would recall many years later that he was only passed once
in 14 years behind the wheel of DFG 800! The LG6 would pass to Mr.
Patrick Alexander R. Lindsay from 1953-1960, then to James Dutton
Knight of Rolled Steel Products from 1960-1964. It then found a
long-term owner in Michael Edward Malone who cared for the Rapide
from 1964-1984. In 1984, 12358 was acquired by noted Lagonda
collector, enthusiast and marque expert Bernd Holthusen of Germany.
It was upon his acquisition of the car in 1984 that he spoke with
then-General Michael Lindsay who recounted tales of his high-speed
adventures and how much he enjoyed his time with this very special
car. In the 1990s, Holthusen determined the car was due for
restoration. He felt it was so attractive in its apple gray over
green hides and hood that it was decided the car should stay in the
original colors. In 1999, the Meadows six was meticulously rebuilt
and carefully upgraded using techniques learned on similar cars in
Mr. Holthusen's impressive collection. Improvements include a
replacement, strengthened cylinder block, balanced rotating
assembly, hardened valve seats for sustained high-speed runs on
unleaded petrol, a water pump with modern ceramic bearings and
seals, and the axles have been updated to use modern-type lip
seals. Mr. Holthusen used the Lagonda extensively during his
tenure, touring around Europe and enjoying the car to the fullest.
It was also featured in his foremost book on the marque titled
"Lagonda" which was published in 1996. Mr. Holthusen parted with
his impeccably restored LG6 Rapide in 2002, and it eventually found
its way to yet another respected collection of cars from this
storied make. The current American owner continued to thoroughly
enjoy DFG 800 on numerous tours, rallies and concours, including
the Colorado Grand in 2017. Today, this magnificent automobile
presents in excellent condition, its outstanding restoration having
taken on light and pleasing character thanks to regular use on road
events. The sumptuous Frank Feeley-penned coachwork features
flowing curves punctuated with a subtle chrome sweep on the body
and brilliantly judged cutaway wheel spats. Ace wheel discs and big
P100 headlamps add to the sporting appeal. The paintwork has held
up remarkably well since the restoration, showing only a few minor
marks from use, but remaining glossy, straight and handsome.
Original literature touts this as a four passenger car (three up
front, one in back) however it would be best enjoyed with two or
three as the side-facing dicky seat is suitable for short trips.
The dark green leather has a handsome patina from regular use,
lightly creased, inviting and perfectly broken in. Lagonda-badged
instruments are as-original, and this car features a fabulous
period correct Phillips radio. The tool kit is neatly hidden behind
a drop-down panel, and a set of period appropriate suitcases fit
behind the front seat, given the boot is all but consumed by the
spare wheel. This Rapide now wears engine number 12227 which,
according to the Lagonda Club, was fitted in approximately 1968.
Originally rated for 140 horsepower, the improvements made during
the rebuild have likely released a few extra ponies, and as
expected, the LG6 runs phenomenally well. The engine features
original twin Scintilla Vertex magnetos, and dual S.U. carburetors
and is properly presented and detailed, showing extremely well for
a car that has been proven on numerous events. The original
four-speed gearbox has the top three ratios synchronized which
mates to a 3.31 rear axle to allow for effortless high-speed
cruising. The chassis is maintained to a high standard, and the
handling and road manners remain impeccable. This is truly one of
the finest performing prewar cars we have had the pleasure to
offer. It is fast, comfortable, and remarkably easy to drive thanks
to the slick-shifting synchro gearbox and powerful hydraulic
brakes. It is easy to imagine feeling fresh after 1,000 mile tour
in this car. The sale will include the original owner's handbook,
tools, period luggage, original registration booklet, and Meadow's
instruction manual. As one of just six dropheads built on the LG6
chassis, this fabulous automobile has led a charmed life at the
hands of passionate, enthusiastic owners. From the day it was
delivered, DFG 800 has been enjoyed to the fullest. Its most recent
keeper has ensured it remains on the button and ready for action on
tours, rallies and club events, while also kept beautiful enough
for concours display. For events like the Colorado Grand, there is
hardly a better choice than DFG 800. This is an exceptional
opportunity to acquire one of the finest prepared examples of this
legendary prewar Grand Touring car. For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6179-1939-lagonda-lg6-rapide-drophead/
