1937 | Lagonda 4,5 Liter LG 45 Rapide

The 1937 Lagonda LG45 Rapide is a rare and highly desirable pre-war British sports tourer, with only 25 examples produced between 1936 and 1938, making it one of the most sought-after models in Lagonda's history. Whilst an incredibly special, iconic motor car, this particular example has the unique cachet of successfully completing the Mille Miglia, and further to that, has a guaranteed acceptance for 2026 with FIA, FIVA and Registro in place. This a unique opportunity to purchase a car meticulously maintained and prepared, capable of long distance touring with a proven track record. This iconic British Grand Tourer of the pre-war era was built during a turbulent period for the company's history, following receivership in 1935 and a triumphant Le Mans 24-hour victory that same year. The Rapide represented a bold resurgence for Lagonda, incorporating racing-derived engineering refined by legendary designer W.O. Bentley, who joined Lagonda after leaving Rolls-Royce. Announced in September 1936 as "the fastest car in the world," it was positioned as a rival to the era's elite luxury grand tourers, blending peerless performance with elegant styling. The Rapide stands as one of the most celebrated automobiles of the pre-war era, embodying British engineering excellence, luxury, and the spirit of grand touring.

Lagonda was founded in 1906 by American-born Wilbur Gunn in Staines, Middlesex. Initially, the company produced motorcycles and tricars, eventually shifting to motor cars that became renowned for their engineering prowess and competitive performance. By the 1930s, Lagonda had established itself as a marque associated with refined luxury and sporting success, especially after the company's triumph in the 1935 Le Mans 24-hour race, winning with the Lagonda Rapide M45.

A pivotal moment for Lagonda came when W.O. Bentley, founder of Bentley Motors, joined the company in 1935. His engineering genius led to the development of a refined and upgraded 4.5 litre Meadows engine for Lagonda. The 1937Rapide was based on the LG45 chassis and powered by the advanced 4,453 cc straight-six engine, which produced around 133 horsepower-remarkable for its day. The car was capable of speeds approaching 100 mph placing it among the fastest production cars of its time.

It was offered both as a sports saloon and as a tourer, with coachwork which showcased flowing, aerodynamic lines, a long bonnet, and elegant proportions reflecting the Art Deco styling cues of the period.

Motoring journalists of the era praised the Rapide for its performance, roadholding, and build quality. It was a car suited to both the open road and demanding rallies, consistent with the sporting ethos Lagonda had cultivated. While the Rapide was primarily a road car, Lagonda's racing pedigree lent the model a sense of competition-inspired glamour. The company's motorsport success, particularly the Le Mans victory in 1935, bolstered the Rapide's reputation among enthusiasts and collectors. Bentley's engine redesign ensured performance and reliability improvements. Stronger main bearing caps secured by four bolts replaced the previous two bolt set up and a strengthened crankcase also improved the engine's reliability. Power was transmitted through a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second, third and top as on the contemporary Alvis Speed 20. Performance was supercar-like for the 1930s. Independent tests by The Motor magazine in 1937 clocked a top speed of 108 mph, with 0-50 mph in 9.4 seconds and 0-60 mph in 13.2 seconds-capable of comfortably exceeding 100 mph while maintaining composure. It accelerated briskly, with a deep, resonant exhaust note and it offered precise steering, well-damped suspension, and effective brakes.

This car was ordered on the 23rd of July 1937 and delivered on 22nd October to a Mr. S Baker of 39 Davies Street, W1.Finished in Green with matching leather and with fawn hood and tonneau covers, as it still presents today. The cars second owner was Norman Kimmersley of Bristol followed by Mr. J. Stone of Hampstead and then Ken King owned the Lagonda until 1956. The next long-term owner was Harry Hurst who paid £ 300 for the car and there is a certified receipt in the history file. The history file contains a number of period photos of him with the car and his family. Ultimately the car was sold by his family in 1984 after his death. The car was then sold at a Sotheby's Auction in March 1984 for £ 19,000 to life-long Lagonda enthusiast, Mr. Simon Carell. He then commissioned Herb Schofield's Northern Lagonda factory to fully restore the car with engineering work being carried out by Alan Brown.

The car was shipped to San Diego, California and spent the next 29 years with well-known racer and collector, Harry Chilberg who displayed the car at numerous events including the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours in 1999 and Newport Beach Concours in 2006. The engine was rebuilt in 2010 with a new crankshaft, Carillo rods, pistons as well as numerous other components. The next owner was Mr. Tim Summers, a successful English historic racer. In 2013 he bought the car in California and drove it across to the east Coast, entering the Amelia Island Concours. He then shipped it back to the UK and was able to reclaim its original registration, ELB 396. He went on to commission his own complete and meticulous restoration by specialists Bishop Grey. The bodywork was re-painted to a high standard by Moto-Technique in the original green, matched from original paint found behind the dashboard during the stripping process.

The interior was re-trimmed using traditional methods and materials using seven hides of Connolly Vaumol leather and this alone cost nearly £ 5,000. Matching Wilton carpets were fitted, and the hood, side screens and tonneau covers were all replaced in the fawn colour material as per new. The cost of the re-trim was almost £ 40,000 but the result is gorgeous. The car was then re-wired by the well-known Winston Teague. The whole restoration is documented in the history file.

The next owner bought the car in 2015 and during his ownership competed in the 2018 Flying Scotsman Rally and two significant European trips. During his ownership the car was maintained by Thronley Kelham and in addition to routine maintenance they fitted 5 new road wheels and rebuilt the rear axle. The most recent owner instructed Bishopgray to fully recommission the car on acquisition, as it had seen little use since participation in the 2018 Flying Scotsman Rally.

Preparing the car for the 2025 Mille Miglia included a major service, and the radiator, carburettors, and magneto were rebuilt. The radiator shell, slats, headlamps were all re-chromed to original specification. An auxiliary electric fan was fitted to ensure it would cope with hot Italian weather. Charlie Gray completed 1800 miles in ‘shake down' runs and snagging, rectifying any minor defects found. FIVA, FIA, and Mille Miglia Registrado paper were obtained. The Lagonda then successfully completed the Mille Miglia (now a 2000 km event) in June 2025 over four days. The car performed superbly, using no water in the hot weather and less than 1 litre of oil. Once accustomed to its turning circle, it is a remarkably easy to drive with its synchromesh gearbox, powerful brakes, and high torque engine. There was more than enough power to negotiate the winding mountain rounds without any difficulty. Other drivers commented on how attractive it was as it flowed around the bends. Both spectators and officials loved the way it looks and sounds.

Post Mille Miglia, the car was returned to Bishopgray for a complete post-event shakedown which included a major service, including a full oil change and regrease, and both the brakes and clutch were relined.

The car has matching numbers throughout and a full set of factory build sheets to verify this and confirm its specification. A rare opportunity to purchase an ultra-rare, practical, investment-quality pre-war Lagonda with a superb provenance that has guaranteed 2026 Mille Miglia participation for its next owner.