Registration Number: PSY 918 Chassis Number: 12195
In September 1936, Lagonda announced the LG45 Rapide as the fastest car in the world. It used the engineering found on the LG45R race cars, but with pleasant and stylish touring body that became the quintessential British prewar car. Frank Feeley was responsible for styling this Tourer which featured four seats, huge front fenders, cutaway doors and stylish external chrome exhausts. Like the competition cars, the Rapide used a high-compression engine and better gearing for increased top speed. In 1937 'The Motor' achieved 108 mph proving it as a genuine 100 mph car. Only 25 of the special LG45 were produced and this small series represents probably the most desirable model made by Lagonda in the prewar period.
The previous owner purchased the car in April 1986, the receipt for which still remains in the cars file. In mid 1989 he commissioned Messrs. Barry Simson Restorations of Devon to collect the car and start a full restoration. Unfortunately in mid 1991 with the car approximately 85% completed, Barry Simpson Restorations went into administration. He the re-negotiated with John Goulstone, who had been a senior body and engine fitter with Barry Simson, to take on and complete the remainder of the restoration. Some three years on the car was finished. Subsequently the engine was rebuilt with a new block from 'LMB Racing' in Belgium along with many other new engine components such as a new and much improved crankshaft, new higher spec. connecting rods, pistons and a totally new ported and gas flowed aluminium cylinder head The result was effectively a new engine with an increased compression ratio - now 8.3:1 - and much improved breathing. The original engine block is supplied with the car. The new cylinder head was to a Sanction One design due to the preference of many owners and racers needing the greater tuning potential of the sanction one over the later sanction three. Additional and sensible modifications include a new fuel pump cut out switch just under the facia board. A front oil cooler vent leading to the oil cooler concealed just below the radiator and an oil temperature gauge is concealed in the glove compartment. The car has been used on a number of occasions in the south of France in high ambient temperature and an oil temperature gauge was deemed sensible but concealed so as to leave the facia board as 'original' as possible. A magneto emergency cut off facility has been installed for competitive events and the cast red warning 'arrow' is in the glove box and attaches to a spigot on the facia seen when the cigarette lighter has been removed.
There are a huge number of invoices on file detailing all of the restoration work that has been carried out on the car dating from the mid 1980's to present. PSY 918 has also been the subject of recent significant expenditure including four new splined hubs and five completely new wheels. Two rebuilt Scintilla magnetos were fitted in 2009/10. A car that is incredibly well known and respected in Lagonda Club circles, this LG 45 with replica factory body represents a unique opportunity to be a part of a very, very exclusive club. Finished in gleaming Masons Black with suede green leather interior. Simply stunning!
In September 1936, Lagonda announced the LG45 Rapide as the fastest car in the world. It used the engineering found on the LG45R race cars, but with pleasant and stylish touring body that became the quintessential British prewar car. Frank Feeley was responsible for styling this Tourer which featured four seats, huge front fenders, cutaway doors and stylish external chrome exhausts. Like the competition cars, the Rapide used a high-compression engine and better gearing for increased top speed. In 1937 'The Motor' achieved 108 mph proving it as a genuine 100 mph car. Only 25 of the special LG45 were produced and this small series represents probably the most desirable model made by Lagonda in the prewar period.
The previous owner purchased the car in April 1986, the receipt for which still remains in the cars file. In mid 1989 he commissioned Messrs. Barry Simson Restorations of Devon to collect the car and start a full restoration. Unfortunately in mid 1991 with the car approximately 85% completed, Barry Simpson Restorations went into administration. He the re-negotiated with John Goulstone, who had been a senior body and engine fitter with Barry Simson, to take on and complete the remainder of the restoration. Some three years on the car was finished. Subsequently the engine was rebuilt with a new block from 'LMB Racing' in Belgium along with many other new engine components such as a new and much improved crankshaft, new higher spec. connecting rods, pistons and a totally new ported and gas flowed aluminium cylinder head The result was effectively a new engine with an increased compression ratio - now 8.3:1 - and much improved breathing. The original engine block is supplied with the car. The new cylinder head was to a Sanction One design due to the preference of many owners and racers needing the greater tuning potential of the sanction one over the later sanction three. Additional and sensible modifications include a new fuel pump cut out switch just under the facia board. A front oil cooler vent leading to the oil cooler concealed just below the radiator and an oil temperature gauge is concealed in the glove compartment. The car has been used on a number of occasions in the south of France in high ambient temperature and an oil temperature gauge was deemed sensible but concealed so as to leave the facia board as 'original' as possible. A magneto emergency cut off facility has been installed for competitive events and the cast red warning 'arrow' is in the glove box and attaches to a spigot on the facia seen when the cigarette lighter has been removed.
There are a huge number of invoices on file detailing all of the restoration work that has been carried out on the car dating from the mid 1980's to present. PSY 918 has also been the subject of recent significant expenditure including four new splined hubs and five completely new wheels. Two rebuilt Scintilla magnetos were fitted in 2009/10. A car that is incredibly well known and respected in Lagonda Club circles, this LG 45 with replica factory body represents a unique opportunity to be a part of a very, very exclusive club. Finished in gleaming Masons Black with suede green leather interior. Simply stunning!