1932 Lagonda 3-Litre Tourer

1932 Lagonda Tourer Chassis Number - Z10506 Engine Number 2255 Green with Green Leather Interior Celebrated for their elegant coachwork, sporting nature, and exceptional handcrafting, Lagonda stands as a pillar of automotive engineering and one of the finest examples of early era automotive excellence. With their stately presence and sporting prowess, these impressive motorcars served both wealthy clientele and sporting enthusiasts. Founded in the UK in 1906, the first series sports model Lagonda arrived in 1925 with the newly developed twin-cam 1,954 cc four-cylinder, five-main bearing crankshaft, hemispherical chamber engine. This robust combination captured power and reliability in this Two-Liter offering. Concurrent with the development of this engine, the low chassis body design gave the car a more sporting appearance, one suitable for both vigorous road use and racing events. These traits served the Lagonda marque quite well allowing for further development with the next models powered by the more substantial six-cylinder 3-Liter, seven-bearing overhead-valve unit arriving in 1928. The majority of the early 3-Litre models were bodied using the Weymann system of flexibly framed fabric covered coachwork inherited from the carriage trade. This wonderfully prepared Lagonda was produced as a tourer and delivered to the first owner, likely a wealthy resident of the UK. Though early history is not known at this time, the car was rebodied some years later with a sporting open four-passenger body complete with cycle fenders, an angled windscreen, rear mounted spare tire, and floating running boards. The subject of careful body design and thoughtful craftsmanship, this Lagonda was subsequently restored and has since further enjoyed current ownership with a well-respected collector who, over the past decade of ownership, has lavished resources on the drivetrain, brakes, and other mechanical components to ensure proper performance for tours, events, and leisurely driving. Today this beautifully crafted Lagonda delivers a delightful vintage experience combining motoring excellence and desirable open coachwork. The handcrafted body reveals refined lines, wonderfully formed cycle fenders, and delightful accents. The elegant long wheelbase, wire wheels, and open body create a powerful presence. The finishes are quite nice overall though the top of the passenger side hood panel has light spotting in the finish. Chromed details include the upright grille and headlamps, dual ear knock offs, while the impressive centrally hinged folding louvered hood conceals the powerful 3-Liter engine. The open three-door body is in excellent condition with a sporting dip to the drivers side panel allowing for easy driver entrance and exit. A set of Dunlop Fort 6.00/6.50-19 black wall tires are mounted on painted wire wheels fronting large diameter drum brakes. The interior, finished in rich green leather, retains excellent surfaces showing only mild evidence of use primarily to the drivers seat. The interior features many period-correct details including a wood dashboard, an array of vintage gauges, door thresholds with Lagonda etched metal plates, a commanding four-spoke steering wheel, and hand sewn leather details. The car also features a black canvas convertible top which nests well behind the rear seat and rises to latch at the windshield header. A set of side curtains are impressively matched including the rear quarter curtains which are contoured to the shape of the curved rear seat. The interior is also trimmed with matching green carpet covering the front and rear compartment as well as the front seat backs. Hand lever controls, solid single pane windscreen, and a Le Mans Lagonda 60-year Jubilee dash emblem complete the impressive interior. Celebrating 1935-1995, the dash emblem is believed to have been presented to this car while attending the event under prior ownership. Unlatching the dual levers on each side of the centrally hinged hood, the magnificent 3-Liter Lagonda engine reveals impressive engineering details, complete with dual carburetors, and elegantly crafted features. This impressive engine not only features visual excellence, the authentic castings, hand formed parts, and copper fittings are perfectly paired with the vintage components, factory stampings, correct lines, and authentic hardware. The original matching number engine has beautiful presence enhanced by authentic finishes, mechanical details, and refined craftsmanship still evident even as years have lapsed since restoration. The original identification plates, engine stampings, casting marks, and chassis number are correctly presented on the various components in the engine compartment. The undercarriage displays parts and components consistent with original construction, correctly finished features, and proper care with finishes reflective of enjoyable use. Every aspect of this car embodies the power and precision when originally created at Lagonda and later enhanced by the sporty open configuration. The car starts and runs quite well, requiring no special fuels or unique mechanical preparation. The manual gearbox is easily modulated, and the car pulls quite well in all gears even when tasked with four occupants. Highway driving is surprisingly smooth and while brakes require a bit of familiarizing when first driven, once you are aware of the requirements typical of a car from this era, the driving experience is exhilarating. This Lagonda is accompanied by a set of side curtains which, when installed, offer impressive protection from the elements. Wonderfully conceived for sporting driving and lovingly maintained by a host of respected collectors including the current owner, this Lagonda offers the next owner a chance to experience world-class touring events, vintage club gatherings, or concours events in an impressive and unique example of prewar motoring.