1930 | Lagonda 2 Litre Continental DHC

1930 Lagonda 2L Supercharged low chassis works prototype car
Chassis number: 0H9711
Engine number: 1459 (2B981)
UK Registration: PL1240

Having established its reputation by winning the Moscow - St. Petersburg Reliability Trial of 1910 with a 30hp six, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid 1920's with the introduction of the 14/60. The latter abandoned the firm's traditional in-unit gearbox in favor of a midships mounted transmission, but of greater technical interest was the engine.

Designed by Arthur Davidson, the 2-litre 'four' featured twin camshafts, mounted high in the block, operating inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output of this advanced design was a highly respectable 60bhp.
For the 1929 season, a 'low chassis' Speed Model was introduced, featuring revisions to the frame's front end and a higher-compression engine fitted with twin carburetors. The Speed Model had resulted from the factory's Le Mans effort of 1928, when the 2-Litre driven by Andre D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes had finished 11th overall in the 24-Hour endurance classic.

A classic example of racing improving the breed, the 'low chassis' 2-litre possessed markedly superior handling characteristics courtesy of its lower centre of gravity. For all its virtues, Davidson's engine was limited by its tortuous induction tracts and in 1930 a supercharged version was introduced to overcome this deficiency.
The 'blower' was mounted vertically in front of the engine, which was fitted with a stronger crankshaft, while a 3-litre rear axle beefed up the transmission. A Powerplus supercharger was specified at first, but most 'blown' 2-litres came with a Cozette. Thus equipped, a 'low chassis' 2-litre was capable of up to 90mph.

The car we offer here is the very first supercharged 2L, considered as the works prototype car, used for promotion and is in an absolutely fabulous condition.
PL1240 was first registered by the Lagonda company and held for a period of 3 month approximately and road tested by The Autocar.

This car is without doubt the best driving 2 Litre Lagonda of any type that we have ever driven. Fantastic and highly recommended car for any pre-war connoisseur.