Lagonda V12 1939 - the fastest sedan of its time

Premium

Lagonda V12 1939 - the fastest sedan of its time

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on November 10, 2013

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Daniel Reinhard

43

Bruno von Rotz

15

Balz Schreier

3

Bonhams

2

Eventattitude / F.Blaise-J.Mahiels-R.de Borman

1

Jochen van Cauwenberge

1

Algarve Classic Festival

1

Archiv

23

89 1

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the four-door saloon sold the most

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - also provided the basis for the Le Mans racing cars of 1939

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - equipped with four drum brakes

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - reached over 100 miles per hour (almost 170 km/h) even before the war

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - three headlights ensured the right of way and visibility at night

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the gentleman driver could feel at home here

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - many Lagonda owners preferred to drive themselves

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - impressive view to the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - a mighty hood shows the way

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - was the most expensive car at the 1939 New York Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - looks bigger than it is, a modern Audi A8 is longer

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the doors open in opposite directions, the front one to the rear, the rear one to the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the trunk had room for three large pieces of luggage

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - easy access to the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - inviting rear, sufficient seat spacing, plenty of space upwards

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - fine materials in the interior

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - Fittings and switches were distributed across the entire width

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - large steering wheel, lavish clock equipment

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the steering wheel is huge by today's standards

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - elegantly designed dials

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - easy-to-read instruments

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - attractively clad interior

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - built-in ashtray closed

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - built-in ashtray open

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - imposing front end

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - 4.5 liter displacement, two overhead camshafts

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the V12 delivers around 180 hp at 5,500 rpm

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - one SU carburetor per cylinder bank, the engine was designed with a relatively short stroke

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the technology and electrics are still very clearly visible here

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - hydraulically actuated drum brakes front (and rear)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the radiator grille is typical for Lagonda

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - large headlights for good light output

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - a work of art on wheels

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - beautiful handles and levers

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - fuel filler inlet in perfect elegance

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - pretty tank inlet

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - beautifully designed running board

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - curved door handle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the hydraulics for the built-in jacking system are concealed under the cover for the supposed spare wheel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - instead of a second spare wheel, lifting hydraulics and tools were positioned under the cover

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - this handle is used to open the flap under which the luggage rack is concealed

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - this flap conceals a fold-out luggage rack

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - thanks to the flap, the luggage rack can remain out of sight when it is not needed

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the luggage rack can be swung out piece by piece

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - so the luggage rack can also accommodate bulky suitcases that cannot be stored inside

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - generous tire dimensions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the handle for opening the trunk

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - only pre-war cars offered so many insights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Saloon (1939) - the Lagonda trademark

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - Transportation to Switzerland in 1964

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - elegant "Saloon" version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - the saloon version, called "Saloon"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - elegant and sporty front design

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - Construction drawing of the chassis

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - the chassis in an illustration in the sales brochure

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - the slightly modified chassis of the 1939 model year

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - Engine seen from the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - Cover of the owner's manual

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - large trunk that could hold three pieces of luggage

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - Interior dimensions and prices in England

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - the apparent cover for the spare wheel concealed tools and the hydraulics for the jacking system

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - the optional radio from Philips

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - the hinged tank with the hydraulic jack system

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1939) - with fold-out luggage rack

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda M45R (1935) - this is what Le Mans winners look like

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda 4.5 Litre (1936) - the chassis of the six-cylinder engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda M45 (1937) - the in-line six-cylinder from Meadows

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda M45R (1935) - seen on the occasion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1973

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda M45R (1934) - the sister car of the Le Mans winner

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda LG45 (1936) - the team car of 1936

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda 4.5 Litre (1935) - the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1935, here again at Le Mans in 1958

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda 4.5 Litre (1935) - the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1935, here again at Le Mans in 1958

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Le Mans Team Car (1939) - sold at the Goodwood-Chichester auction by Bonhams on September 15, 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Team Car (1939) - at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Le Mans (1939) - Algarve Classic Festival 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Pre-war vehicles during the training laps: on the left a Lagonda V12 Le Mans (1939) at the Algarve Classic Festival 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Le Mans (1939) at the Algarve Classic Festival 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - in Plateau 1 (1923-1939) at the Le Mans Classic 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 (1938) - in Plateau 1 (1923-1939) at the Le Mans Classic 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 LM (1938) - at the Ennstal Classic 2011 (EP2 035)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé (1938) - offered by Bonhams at the Goodwood auction on June 29, 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé (1938) - at the Concours d'Elégance Zoute Grand Prix 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 DHC (1938) - ADAC Trentino Classic 2013 - Classic car challenge for the Sonax trophy

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 DHC (1938) - ADAC Trentino Classic 2013 - classic car challenge for the Autozug trophy

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 DHC (1938) - ADAC Trentino Classic 2013 - Classic car challenge for the Sonax trophy

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 LM (1938) - at the Ennstal Classic 2011 (EP2 035)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 LM (1938) - at the Ennstal Classic 2011 (EP2 035)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda V12 LM (1938) - at the Ennstal Classic 2011 (EP2 035)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lagonda Le Mans V12 (1936) at the Gaisbergrennen 2010

You have only

5 out of 89

images seen in high resolution

Summary

With the 4.5 liter V12 engine, W. O. Bentley delivered his masterpiece. Together with a stable chassis and modern suspension design and brakes, the Lagonda engineers created the best saloon in England, if not the world, at the time. The V12 was available in various body styles, but just 192 were built before the war put an end to production. This driving report describes the history of the Lagonda V12 and portrays a V12 Saloon from 1939 in detail, supplemented by two original brochures and contemporary test reports.

This article contains the following chapters

Racing successes and bankruptcies
Good and Bentley
Ambitious objective
The over-engine
Built in different variants
The most expensive car on the market
Available with radio
Deployment at Le Mans
192 vehicles produced in two series
A great car
Comfort and elegance
Further information

Estimated reading time: 8min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Imagine if Audi had decided to take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1999, just a few months before the event. Due to time pressure, they would have used the standard A8 model, optimized the engine and replaced the bodywork and then driven to France on the road, finished 3rd and 4th and won the class. Unthinkable! But this is exactly what happened in 1939 (60 years earlier), when Lagonda took part in the last 24 Hours of Le Mans before the war with the V12. In 1906, the American opera singer Wilbur Gunn founded the Lagonda company. As early as 1907, he presented his first car, a 20 hp six-cylinder Torpedo. Other smaller and larger models followed, mostly with a sporty focus. A high point was reached in the 1930s with the M45 and M45R Rapide, a car with a 4.5-liter six-cylinder engine (from Meadows) that was capable of speeds of around 160 km/h. The M45R won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1935, just at a time when the Lagonda company was going bankrupt.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: