1935 Lagonda Rapier Sports Boattail Special

This Lagonda Rapier was produced in early 1935 and originally wore a closed Coupe body built by Abbott. By 1951, it was recorded as having a two-seater tourer body. Around 1980, it was in English ownership and competed in Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) events between 1986 and 1991 at venues such as Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, and Castle Combe.

After this chapter of vintage racing concluded, the Lagonda was given a full restoration by Lagonda specialists Bishopgray of Berkshire in 2005. The cost of the work exceeded $200,000, and part of the process involved the creation of a new alloy boat-tail bodywork inspired by a Brooklands racer with twin-folding aero screens. The engine was specially upgraded and equipped with a supercharger to produce 110 horsepower.

In 2012, this Lagonda Rapier participated in the California Mille, and after the event, the engine was fully rebuilt by Phil Reilly & Co. in 2013. The oiling system was reworked, the oil and water pumps were rebuilt, and new camshafts were installed. Additional improvements and repairs brought the total cost to approximately $57,000. After several more years of enjoyment, the Lagonda was sold to a Long Island, New York-based collector. More recently, it was acquired by another collector. In 2023, it was brought to the Broad Arrow auction at the Monterey Jet Center, where it was sold into new ownership for the sum of $140,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2023