1931 | Lagonda 3 Litre

Sold | £48,300 GBP

• Known ownership history since new
• High-quality older restoration to factory specification
• Part of The Boland Collection for over three decades
• Fascinating history file, including extensive correspondence from previous owners

Lagonda is a manufacturer of fine sporting machines that requires no introduction to the knowledgeable enthusiast. Its 3-Litre model, which was made from 1928 to 1934, featured an impressive overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 2,931 cc with seven main bearings. The 3-Litre was often fitted with beautifully proportioned bodywork, crafted to the French Weymann patent method by Lagonda’s in-house shops.

Per a period “buff” registration logbook in the file this particular 3-Litre, with its sporting Weymann coachwork bearing floating running boards and cycle-style wings, was first registered on 25 March 1931 to Frank Hallam of Bristol Street in Birmingham. A continuous run of later caretakers is listed in the logbook eventually leading the car, in 1936, into the ownership of André Kenny of Sheffield. He retained it for four decades. In later correspondence, Mr Kenny recounted that he had maintained the car regularly over the years, keeping scrupulous record of what mechanical components had been rebuilt and when, down to the fitment of wheel bearings in 1955 and a new radiator core in 1963.

Following his retirement, Mr Kenny realised that he would not be able to continue to upkeep the car. After not running it for 10 years he sold the Lagonda in 1976 to Jeff C Ody, of Kingston-upon-Thames, who had apparently pursued it for some years. The seller noted: “It gave me better service and greater joy than any Lagonda I ever had." Mr Ody, Secretary for the Lagonda Club, kept up a fascinating regular correspondence with Mr Kenny as the former undertook a meticulous restoration of the car, including having the engine rebuilt and repaired, while the previous owner was never at a loss for detailed descriptions of how best to perform the work.

Restoration was completed in the mid-1980s, with the car returned to the road by 1985. Mr Ody retained his prized Lagonda until 1994, when it was acquired by the late Jim Boland; it now remained in his distinguished mews for 31 years. Its restoration is now older, with some welcome patina of use, but is still quite attractive in its rich dark green livery, with a lovingly broken-in brown leather interior that dates at least to the Kenny ownership. In addition to the aforementioned history file, the automobile is accompanied by a period tool set housed within the tray in the boot. Please note, following a period of static display, it is recommended that the car is inspected by a mechanic prior to being driven.

This is a most interesting and appealing 3-Litre, with extremely rich, detailed provenance, and that has clearly always been well-loved since new.

Please note this lot has entered the UK on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the UK on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the UK.


To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/.