1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe

It is believed that between 1938 and 1940, 190 examples of the 12-cylinder Lagondas were produced, and just 17 of those were Rapide models. Its particular Rapide example is equipped with a Sanction IV engine originally earmarked for Le Mans competition. The build sheet details instruction for 'No Bonnet; No Headlamps; 'Lo' Radiator Shell; No front wing assembly.' On October 25th of 1939, this short (124-inch wheelbase chassis) was delivered to coachbuilder James Young Ltd. in Bromley, Kent, to be fitted with custom coachwork. Unique features include a covered, rear-mounted spare tire, a split windshield, and Art Deco touches found in the fender-mounted parking lights and in its distinctive rear fender curves. With the full rear seat, this is a four-passenger car.

The original owner was Major Godfrey Anthony Gillson of Cornwell Manor. After he passed away in 1944, this Rapide was purchased by Lagonda's former factory manager Jim Davies. In 1957, the car passed to Jim Whitehead, an Australian who owned several V-12 Lagondas during his lifetime. The car would remain in Mr. Whitehead family's care for the next 58 years. The current owner acquired it in 2015 and began a thorough and authentic restoration over two years. The work cost approximately $500,000. The exterior is finished in dark green with a black canvas convertible top. Chrome can be found o the beltline molding, rear fender stone guards, and wheel discs. The interior is upholstered in tan Connolly leather. There is a walnut dashboard and a full array of gauges.

In 2018, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won First in Class after completing the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019

This Lagonda V12 Rapide was delivered to James Young in South London to have a special drophead coupe body fitted in October 1939. This chassis is one of just two Lagonda Rapides that does not carry the standard Frank Feeley-designed drophead coachwork, and it has a rear-mounted spare wheel instead of the side-mounted spares seen on factory-bodied cars. It was ordered for Anthony Gillson and his wife, American heiress Priscilla of Gloucestershire, England. Toward the end of the war, the car was purchased by Davies Motors, which had taken over servicing Lagondas following the closure of the factory in 1939. This car remained in England until 1957 when, with just 10,000 miles on the clock, it was exported to Australia and its new owner, a resident of New South Wales. In 2015 it was purchased by its current owner and sympathetically refurbished in New Zealand, still with less than 32,000 miles under its wheels.