Lagonda saloon: hot-rod fraternity or died in the wool fanatics?

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It can be very refreshing when things are said bluntly and without beating about the bush. That is, however, not the kind of language used by auctioneers most of the time. Brightwells makes a good exception at their Classic and Vintage sale in Bicester on the 25th of this month. There is a 1950 Lagonda 2.6 saloon with Canadian registration (lot number 65). And – to quote them – “Robbed of its engine and box’.

You will know the story of how Lagonda was purchased by David Brown in ‘47, with the idea to use the newly deigned WO Bentley engine for a new Aston Martin (which he’d also taken over) as well as a new Lagonda range. The plan worked fine and 70 years later the 2.6 litre six-in-line is still considered a masterpiece. But while Aston Martin prices have gone through the roof, those of Lagondas haven’t changed that much in the past few decades. And while the Lagonda 2.6 saloon is rarer (510 made) then the DB4, DB5 or DB6, it’s still pretty much unwanted. This one is estimated to make £7- to £9,000.

To further quote the auctioneer: “Survivors of all types are now rare and many have been stripped of their engines over the years to use in the infinitely more valuable Aston Martin DB range. This is most likely what has happened to this one, which remains remarkably complete apart from its engine, gearbox and instrumentation. Imported from Canada recently, it will require some remedial attention to the wood in the passenger A-post and of course choosing some motive power. Offering as it does a blank canvas, dare one suggest it may appeal as much to the hot-rod fraternity as it might to the died in the wool Lagonda fanatic?”

“The good news is that there is plenty of room under the bonnet for all sorts of things so we leave that down to you. Sold with NOVA paperwork which shows it has been correctly imported and its Canadian title, the recreation of this fascinating, pedigree ‘50s carriage is only limited by your imagination.”

Perhaps lot number 86 is also worth watching..?

(Words editor, picture Brightwells auctioneers)

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