1937 Lagonda LG45 Rapide Roadster

The 1930s was a time of economic hardship, bookended by a pair of World Wars, and proceeded by a few fleeting years of burgeoning prosperity. Lagonda was one of the many companies in a parlous state by the mid-1930s and, due to depleted resources, nearly fell into the control of its rival, Rolls-Royce. As it teetered on the brink of calamity, it was saved by Alan Good and former racing driver Dick Watney. Good's bid saved the company, while Watney's direction and leadership would infuse the company with new purpose and direction. Leadership and mechanical skill were also provided y newly hired W.O. Bentley, who brought with him a number of gifted craftsmen from Derby. Under his tutelage, the M45 became the LG45.

Frank Feeley had been with Lagonda since he was 14, and his talents were applied in creating the sporty bodywork bestowed upon each of the 25 examples of the LG45 constructed. Its chassis was based on the LG45 and power was courtesy of the tried-and-true 4,467 cubic-centimeter six-cylinder Meadows engine. Bentley tuned the engine, giving it an improved exhaust system and increased compression (to 7:1 - or 7.5:1 with high-octane fuel).

Just six months after the company changed hands, in September 1936, the new Rapide made its debut. This particular example was the penultimate example of the 25 that left the Staines Works factory. It was ordered on July 23, 1937, and delivered to its first owner three months later. It wore a green exterior with a green leather interior, fawn soft-top, and polished walnut woodwork. It was supplied by London's sole Lagonda distributor, Keevil & March of Berkeley Square, and wore the registration number 'ELB 396.'

This Lagonda LG45 Rapide was sold new to an individual from London, later passing through the hands of a Bristol-based industrialist before returning to the capital and taking up residence in Hampstead.

A doctor based in Cambridge became the car's caretaker in 1956, and it remained with the family until 1984. A full restoration witnessed the changing of the color to red over a cream leather interior. Shortly after its completion, the car was acquired by US collector George Chilberg, who showed it at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1999 and the Newport Beach Concours in 2006. After nearly three decades of ownership, the car was sold to a new owner in 2013. It was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance before being repatriated to the United Kingdom. While there, it was given an extensive mechanical and cosmetic refresh, with the exterior being redone in its original green by Moto Technique Ltd. The interior was retrimmed in Connolly hide by O'Rourke Coachtrimmers. Additional work was performed by marque specialist Bishopgrey, including extensive mechanical and body repairs and finishing. Upon competition, the car was campaigned in the 2015 Flying Scotsman Rally.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024