1936 Lagonda LG45 Tourer

The LG45 model was closely based on the Le Mans Team cars, which had won at Le Mans in 1935. It was the successor to the M45, which had been introduced in 1933 at the Olympia Show and based on the preceding ZM 3-Liter model. The M45 was powered by Meadow's 4.5-liter, twin-plug six-cylinder engine, giving the Tourer body style the capability to achieve 90 mph. Three short-chassis cars prepared by Lagonda main agents Fox & Nicholls performed well at the 1934 RAC Tourist Trophy at Ards, and in 1935 one of these TT cars driven by John Hindmarsh and Luis Fontes won the Le Man's 24-Hour endurance classic.

The LG45, under the leadership of technical director - W.O. Bentley, gained synchromesh gears, flexible engine mounts, and centralized chassis lubrication, among many other improvements. Between 1936 and 1937, a total of 278 LG45 models were produced. Twenty-five examples are believed to have been delivered as 'Tourers.'

This particular is believed to have left the factory finished in dark grey, and upholstered in Mulberry hide, and had matt-finished walnut wood trim. It was requested by its original owner - Donald H. Ogilvy of Scotland - that the steering column shaft be half an inch shorter than standard and its windshield be a fold-flat variety and a tonneau cover that could fit over the front seats. Mr. Ogilvy ordered the car through Burton and Tweedy of Glasgow and received the car just a month later.

The engine that resides in the car is the same engine it left the factory. It is a 4,453cc single overhead camshaft inline 6-cylinder unit fitted with twin SU carburetors and offering 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel Girling Hydraulic drum brakes.

The current owner of this car has cared for it for roughly 20 years. The prior owner was William Rudkin of Pepperidge Farm fame. By the time of purchase, the car had been re-liveried in the red scheme it wears today, with matched leather upholstery. Its restoration shows little age, and it has won prizes at several Concours events over the years.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2018