1938 | Lagonda V12 DHC

History available from the date of delivery

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Description

·        One of only approximately 40 V12 DHC built – one of the most exclusive British twelve-cylinder automobiles of the pre-war era

·        Extensively documented history dating back to its original delivery

·        Retains its original engine along with numerous other original components

·        Regularly participated in international Lagonda events and long-distance touring

·        Comprehensive maintenance, ownership and touring documentation – offered at an attractive price

The Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé ranks among the most fascinating British luxury automobiles of the late pre-war era. Combining a sophisticated twelve-cylinder engine developed under the direction of W. O. Bentley, elegant open factory coachwork, and exceptionally limited production, the V12 occupies a distinguished place in the history of the Lagonda marque. To this day, it is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the company's pre-war engineering achievements.

The extensive collection of surviving documentation allows the history of this particular automobile to be traced back to its original order on 17 May 1938 and its delivery to its first owner, L. Rose, on 15 July 1938. Historical records confirm that the car was originally finished in black with fine silver coachlines and a burgundy leather interior. Workshop and service records dating from its earliest years further underline the exceptional level of documentation that accompanies this remarkable automobile.

The Lagonda remained in Great Britain for the following decades before being exported to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during the 1960s. There, it spent many years in the ownership of W. L. D. Player, who commissioned extensive restoration work. Following its return to Great Britain in 1982, the car was acquired in 2000 by its present owner, who devoted nearly twenty-five years to its careful preservation and regularly exercised it on international tours and Lagonda Club events. A meticulously maintained logbook, extensive maintenance records and comprehensive documentation of the technical work carried out throughout his ownership provide an exceptional record of this remarkably long period of stewardship.

Throughout this time, particular attention was paid to the car's mechanical reliability. The original engine has been retained, together with numerous other original components. At the same time, a number of carefully considered technical improvements were carried out, including the installation of twin electric fuel pumps, electronic ignition, and refinements to individual suspension and lubrication system components. According to the owner, these modifications were undertaken in such a manner that the car can, in principle, be returned to its original factory specification if desired.

The esteem in which this Lagonda is held within the international Lagonda community is reflected in a personal letter from the long-serving President of the Lagonda Club. In his correspondence, he praises the car's outstanding state of preservation, exceptional reliability and regular participation in international touring events, describing this V12 Drophead Coupé as one of the finest examples of Lagonda coachbuilding.

Today, this Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé presents itself as an exceptionally authentic collector's automobile, accompanied by a documented ownership and maintenance history spanning more than eight decades. The combination of its original major components, conscientious mechanical care and remarkably comprehensive documentation makes this automobile a rare opportunity for collectors seeking one of the finest and best-documented examples of the legendary Lagonda V12.

Condition & Registration

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Ready to drive

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make
Lagonda
Model series
V12
Model name
V12 DHC
First registration date
Not provided
Year of manufacture
1938
Mileage (read)
42,780 mi
Chassis number
Not provided
Engine number
Not provided
Gearbox number
Not provided
Matching numbers
No
Number of owners
Not provided

Technical details

Body style
Convertible
Power (kW/hp)
132/180
Cubic capacity (cm³)
4480
Cylinders
12
Doors
2
Steering
Right (RHD)
Gearbox
Manual
Gears
4
Transmission
Rear
Front brakes
Drum
Rear brakes
Drum
Fuel type
Petrol

Individual Configuration

Exterior color
Green
Interior color
Beige
Interior material
Leather

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