1936→1938 Lagonda LG45 Rapide
In September 1936, Lagonda anounced 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 Britsh 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.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1936 – 1938 |
| body stylist | Frank Freeley |
| production | 25 |
| engine | Sanction III Meadows Inline-6 |
| valvetrain | Pushrod |
| fuel feed | Twin SU Carburetors |
| power | 96.9 kw / 130 bhp |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| f suspension | Luvax dampers |
| r suspension | Luvax dampers |
| wheelbase | 3279.1 mm / 129.1 in |
| transmission | Meadows 4-Speed Manual |
Collection. First owned by F.G. Casswell of Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK, who registered the car “FPJ 199.” Extensive restoration to factory-original appearance at Vancouver, Canada’s RX Autoworks. The original colors and finishes were discovered and matched. Shown at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Traveled an approximate 1,300 miles since restoration.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1937 Lagonda LG45 Rapide Sports Tourer 12172 – sold for €560,000
The example offered here is an authentic LG45 Rapide, one of the 25 originals built, which joined the O’Quinn Collection in 2006. Today, most enthusiasts consider these wonderfully capable cars to represent the high-water mark for Lagonda. An exhaustive and very pricey professional restoration has resulted in what may well be the finest example extant. Fits, gaps, and panel work are exceptional, providing a solid foundation for the stunning, show-quality paintwork. Arrow-straight stitching and superb Connolly leather upholstery are matched by show-quality plating, resulting in an extremely high-point presentation overall. Underneath the striking exterior, the engine bay and chassis detailing are magnificent and highly correct as well.
A recent inspection confirms that the LG45 Rapide remains as stunning today as when it was first acquired for the O’Quinn Collection in 2006. Certainly the finest LG45 Rapide we have ever had the pleasure of offering, this truly stunning example is certain to earn pride of place in any worthy collection.
Auction Source: 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco
