1935 Lagonda Rapier

In the mid-1930s, Lagonda returned to the manufacture of light cars with the introduction of the Rapier. The design was created by Thomas (Tim) Ashcroft, and a prototype was shown at the 1933 Olympia Motor Exhibition. Production began in the late spring of 1934, with many examples being given four-seat tourer coachwork by E. D. Abbott Ltd of Farnham, Surrey. Other coachbuilders who crafted bodies for the Rapier included Maltby, John Charles, and E.J. Newns.

Under the bonnet was a four-cylinder, twin-overhead camshaft, 1104cc engine offering 45 horsepower. The original design called for the engine to be cast in light alloy but to save cost, it was eventually made in cast iron using the original patterns. They had a sturdy frame, four-speed pre-selector gearbox, and 13-inch diameter Girling brakes. The chassis was designed by Charles King and was comprised of steel sections bolted together. The length measured 138 inches, its wheelbase at 98.75 inches (the example shown at the 1933 London Motor Show had a wheelbase of 90.75 inches), and had a width of 57.5 inches. The suspension system was comprised of half-elliptic springs controlled by friction dampers.

Slow sales and a poor economy resulted in the Lagonda company being acquired by Alan Good in 1935, who renamed it the L.G. Motors (Staines) Ltd. The rights to produce the Rapier were sold to a new company, Rapier Cars Limited, of Hammersmith. To reduce costs and streamline the production process, the new venture sold the car complete with the body (rather than as a rolling chassis) created by Ranalah Coachworks Ltd. By the time production ceased in 1938, just 46 examples were produced.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2013