1934 Lagonda 16/80 Tourer

In 1933, Lagonda began using Meadows engines, which displaced 4.5-liters and offered 50 percent more power than their own product. This new M45 model offered the performance of a Bentley but at a lower cost. At about the same time, the company replaced the four-cylinder model with a comparable car, and they adopted a 1,991-cubic centimeter six-cylinder engine from Crossley Motors Ltd., of Manchester. These cars, designated as the 16/80 model, were given twin SU carburetors.

As 1933 was coming to a close, the E.N.V. pre-selector transmission was made available as an option. The model would remain in production through late 1934. Total production is believed to be just 261 units.

This example is a later-style four-seat tourer coachwork, which was built to a racing design by Vanden Plas in Lagonda's factory works. It has the early bronze-bodied SU side-draft carburetors and the E.N.V. pre-selector gearbox. The car wears an older restoration that has been well-kept and maintained since. There are Lucas headlights and a rear-mounted spare. Power is from an overhead valve six-cylinder 1991cc engine rated at 68 horsepower.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013