1939 Lagonda LG6 Rapide Drophead Coupe

There were six examples of the LG6 Rapdie's built, of the 85 total LG6 models produced between 1937 and 1939. This example, chassis number 12348, was built in late 1938. It was ordered by Mr. McCall, a Birmingham businessman, through Broughton's of Cheltenham. He took delivery of the car on January 24th, 1939.

After the War, the car remained in the United Kingdom before being brought to the United States and into the care of owners from Santa Monica, California. The car remained there until 1962. It spent time in Toronto, Ontario, in 1967, and in the 1990s, it returned to the United Kingdom before going to Germany and ultimately being acquired in 1999 by the current Dutch owner from Jonathan Proctor. The car was shown at the 2000 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it placed second in class, behind the Delahaye 135M that went on to win Best of Show. It was later shown at the Villa d'Este, the Louis Vuitton Classic, and Paleis het Loo, consistently winning its class.

IN 2000, it was given a thorough restoration. Its six-cylinder overhead valve engine is rated at 140 bhp and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. There are four-wheel mechanical drum brakes and a wheelbase that measures 127.6 inches.

In 2009, this LG6 Rapide was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $450,000 - $650,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for the sum of $632,500, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009