Vehicle Description
-Black with Red leather, Long term ownerships in both the UK and
USA, Twin cam 1.1 liter inline four cylinder approximately 110 hp,
4-speed manual, Well-known in the Rapier Registry.
The Lagonda Rapier were quite advanced in the era. They were light,
handled well were thus extremely competitive for racing sprints as
well as hillclimbs. Fewer than 500 were manufactured in total. They
are truly coachbuilt cars having been sold as chassis only and then
fitted by a variety of bodies from various coachbuilders.
This car was manufactured in 1935 and originally fitted with an
Abbots fixed head coupe body. Circa 1951 it was owned by Mr. Eric
Lane, one of the founding members of the Rapier Register. Circa
1972, it was in the ownership of Mr. Ronald McCaffrey at which time
it wore a two-seat sports tourer body. Circa 1980 and while in the
ownership Mr. David Miller, Hertfordshire, this Rapier was raced
extensively. It took part in competition events at Silverstone,
Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Castle Coombe as well as taking part in
various hillclimbs.
After several seasons of racing, the Rapier was retired. Circa 2005
It was entrusted to Lagonda specialist Bishopgray of Berkshire for
total restoration. During restoration it was decided to fabricate
and new aluminum bodywork in the style of the period Brooklands
racers. The engine was prepared and equipped with a supercharger,
providing approximately 110hp. Every aspect of the car was
restored, including the chassis, bodywork, paint, upholstery,
wiring and lights, dashboard and instruments, wheels and tires,
engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes, the cost well-over
$200,000.00.
Used and enjoyed for a short time, in 2011, the Rapier was
subsequently purchased by a California collector and imported to
the USA. It was used almost immediately on the well-known
California Mille. After the rally, it was given to well-known and
respected California restoration and vintage race preparation
facility, Phil Reilly & Co. for considerable work to enhance
reliability in preparation for extended mileage 1,000 plus mile
vintage tours. The engine was rebuilt which included a reworked
oiling system, rebuilt oil and water pumps, and new camshafts. The
engine was broken in on the dyno and tuned for optimum performance
as well as reliability. The remainder of the car was gone through
thoroughly with various servicing required as needed, where needed.
The cost for all was approximately $57,000.00, the result, a
wonderful, reliable and sporting prewar sportscar.
It was used and enjoyed in this ownership for several years prior
to being acquired by a well-known Long Island, NY collector. For
the past several years, this Rapier has enjoyed touring The Hampton
in the Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons. Just recently, this
Rapier has been traded towards another automobile from our
inventory.
Today, the Rapier is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition
with only the slightest wear since its complete restoration. The
car runs and drives extremely well and is a pleasure to drive for
those who enjoy exhilaration from a bygone era.
Eligible for some of the world's most exclusive events, the Rapier
is comparable in experience to various other prewar sportscars
racers from Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bugatti, just to name a few,
for a fraction of the cost.