Lagonda M 45 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Lagonda M 45

The Lagonda M 45 was first introduced at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show as a robust step forward in British sports car manufacturing. Conceived under the direction of Wilbur Gunn, Lagonda's founder, the marque had already built a reputation across Europe for its quality and performance. By the 1930s, with the British sporting market in full swing, Lagonda was ready for a bold and powerful model to take on the likes of Bentley, Alvis, and Bugatti.

Fitted with the potent Meadows inline-six engine (4.5 litres), the M 45 quickly became revered among motoring aficionados. Rather than simply imitating rivals, Lagonda modified the Meadows engine for improved performance, reliability, and flexibility, giving the M 45 unique characteristics. The car’s greatest moment came at the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans, when Johnny Hindmarsh and Luis Fontés piloted the M45R Rapide to an outright victory, boldly outperforming even Alfa Romeo’s mighty 8C.

The M 45 was available in several body types, including the pillarless saloon and classic two-door Tourer, both signifiers of the model’s dual sporting and luxury identity. Its run was brief but impactful, with production largely ceasing in 1935 during the transition of Lagonda into new ownership and its eventual synergy with Aston Martin.

Model History of the Lagonda M 45 Series

Preceded by the more modest Three-Litre (producing 78 hp), the M 45 rapidly eclipsed its forebear with a 4.5-litre engine and engineering upgrades throughout the chassis and drivetrain. The Lagonda M 45's lineage reflects a determined push towards true thoroughbred sports cars. High demand for its balance of speed and sophistication led to its instant popularity among British motorists and continued success at sporting events.

After the M 45, the series evolved with the introduction of the Lagonda Rapide, leveraging its shortened wheelbase and even higher performance. The name would later be revived (independent of the original specification) in the 1960s for the DB4-based Lagonda Rapide Sports Saloon produced by Aston Martin.

Highlights of the Lagonda M 45 Series

• Meadows 4,453/4,500cc six-cylinder engine with Lagonda-specific modifications for up to 115 hp, and up to 200 hp for tuned Rapide versions.
• Original 4-speed manual transmission sourced from Meadows, enhancing driver engagement and durability.
• Aluminium bodywork, most often configured as pillarless saloon, open Tourer, and period-correct Le Mans-style builds.
• Renowned for its landmark victory at the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans (M45R Rapide variant).
• Distinctive interior appointments: hand-finished leather, aluminium dash, traditional gauges, and chrome trim.
• Factory paint schemes such as British Racing Green and elegant black, all authentic to the 1930s aesthetic.
• Ownership histories are often well-documented, with most cars originally delivered in Great Britain and still restored by marque specialists today.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The most recognisable special edition is the Lagonda M45R Rapide, built specifically for competition. Features of the Rapide include a shortened wheelbase, lighter bodywork, and enhanced engine tuning geared for endurance events such as Le Mans. These cars remain highly valued among motorsport historians due to their significant racing record.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Due to the car’s age and specialised technology, restoration is often best handled by professionals familiar with period Lagondas. Watching for wear in the Meadows engine, inspecting for correct lubrication in both gearbox and rear axle, and confirming authenticity in bodywork and interior are crucial steps. Given the original use of aluminium and separate chassis, checking for hidden corrosion and ensuring correct mechanical maintenance are vital for long-term reliability.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The M 45’s 4.5-litre Meadows six-cylinder was a technical leap in its day. It offers robust acceleration, especially in the lighter, sporting M45R Rapide variant. With power outputs between 115 and 200 hp (specification-dependent), the M 45 far outperformed many contemporaries. The 4-speed gearbox provides a direct connection, while the strengthened rear axle copes well with the engine’s torque.

Driving characteristics are unmistakably 1930s: heavy steering at low speeds, communicative ride, and a soundtrack dominated by mechanical melody. Owners praise the benchmark mix of luxury and sport — ideal for vintage rallies and spirited country outings. - M45 pillarless saloon: Enhanced practicality, understated luxury

• M45 open Tourer: Authentic 1930s motoring, prized for period concours and rallies
• M45R Rapide: The sporting flagship; race-winning, highly tuned, and collectable

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The M 45’s aluminium bodies, most often produced as pillarless saloons or open Tourers, are distinguished by their elegant use of sweeping lines, long bonnet, and discrete chrome details. Interiors are tailored with period-correct leather seating, classic aluminium dashboards packed with original gauges, and a blend of practicality with overt luxury touches.

Accessories and options often included additional driving lamps, bespoke leather luggage, and custom wind deflectors. Factory paintwork such as British Racing Green and other deep hues are frequently restored to original specification. The era’s unique atmosphere is still manifest in the material feel, visual drama, and traditional controls found inside every M 45.

Other Features and Insights

The M 45 was frequently chosen by renowned figures such as Malcolm Campbell, further cementing its reputation in sporting circles. Many historic owners can be traced through well-documented provenance and British registration records. The car’s success at Le Mans, as well as its original road-versus-rail challenge from Dieppe to Brindisi, are notable highlights that showcase the M 45’s ambition and reliability over distance.

Summary

As the only Lagonda model consistently demanded and supplied on Classic Trader, the M 45 represents the pinnacle of pre-war British grand touring and sporting engineering. Its combination of luxury, performance, and unique technological features — from the Meadows powerplant to the aluminium chassis layout — encapsulates a rich automotive legacy. The M 45’s continued participation in historic rallies and consistent appeal among restoration specialists underline its position as a genuine classic of British motoring history.