1939 Lagonda V12 Sports Saloon

The engine, designed by W. O. Bentley, upped the ante between the Staines marque and both Bentley and Rolls-Royce, as well as Brough Superior and Railton, whose Hudson-based products offered blistering performance.

This V12 saloon was delivered a month before war broke out but by 1953 was in the renowned Ellard Collection, where it remained until the 1980s, after which it went to Jersey for a short time. Offered for sale at auction in 1999 its paint, chrome, leather and wood were said to be original and in very good order – the catalogue noted that in 1990 £14,000 had been spent on an engine re-build as well as a chassis and brake overhaul. In 1999 £12,000 had been spent on re-commissioning.

Today it still cuts an imposing air, the black coachwork (lined in red) still looking deep and reflecting well. The chrome remains lustrous. The interior – red seats, red carpet and red door cards is patinated (but not untidy) and the woodwork still presents well.

Engine started is said to be average, running and presentation good, and the running gear is reported to be good. This lot comes with a good history file. Formerly part of the Ellard collection this Lagonda V12 presents well and has good history.

The sports saloon coachwork offers owner driver enjoyment with the effortless torque of Lagonda's V12 power plant. Coming from an important UK private collection the Lagonda is running and driving well.