Registration No: GX 2487
Chassis No: OH10116
MOT: Exempt

• A genuine Cozette 'blown' 'low chassis' model supplied new as a fabric-bodied Tourer
• Comprehensively restored by well-respected marque aficionado Peter Whenman
• Accompanied by a large history file supplied in two full suitcases!
• Recently subject to magneto, dynamo and starter motor overhauls by Overton Engineering

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-1920s with the introduction of the 14/60. The latter abandoned the firm's traditional in-unit gearbox in favour 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 carburettors.

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. In 1930 a supercharged version was introduced, with the 'blower' 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.

Supplied new to the South East London area on the 18th May 1932, 'GX 2487' was originally specified as a Speed Model with Cozette Supercharger and bodied as a four seat, fabric constructed tourer. Little is known of its early history up to 1953, when a record of ownership started being kept and all owners are traceable from this period until the present day. The rare Lagonda is known to have been exported to Singapore during the 1970s by a member of The Malaysia and Singapore Vintage Car Register with whom it was found in a neglected state (and missing the all important Cozette supercharger) in his possession by the most recent previous owner. After much persuasion, 'GX 2487' was finally bought in 1985 and was to be repatriated to the UK four years later. Once back home in 'Blighty', the Lagonda was entrusted to the late Peter Whenman, the pre-eminent restorer of Vintage Lagondas, for a comprehensive restoration which would be completed in 1994.

During the restoration, OH10116 was disassembled to the bare chassis and the body was overhauled with a new ash frame to the original specification and re-covered with new fabric. New cycle wings and a new bonnet were fabricated using traditional methods in aluminium and the interior was entirely reupholstered to original specification in high quality Dark Green hide. Mechanically, the 2-Litre power unit and four-speed gearbox were also given similar treatment, with a new cylinder head supplied by Peter Jones of Wessex Workshops. The all-important supercharger was also reinstated in the form of a replica Cozette unit. A new Black ‘double-duck’ hood and tonneau cover were also supplied and fitted to the original frame with a new set of side screens made especially. Finally, the original Lagonda radiator was treated to a re-core and entirely new 21” wheels were commissioned.

After completion, the Lagonda was collected from Hartley Witney and was pressed straight into service, being driven all the way to its new, loving home in the North East of England. Thereafter, ‘GX 2487’ saw its first outing attending the Le Mans 24 Hour race in France in 1995, in the company of other members of the Lagonda Owners Club who were celebrating the 60th anniversary of Lagonda’s Le Mans victory in 1935. The improvements didn’t halt after the restoration, however, and new brake drums from Wessex Workshops were fitted in 1996 (with the original finned brake drums, which were standard on supercharged cars, accompanying the car to sale). Recent works to this 'blown' Vintage Tourer have included a service, magneto overhaul, starter motor overhaul and sump gasket change by Overton engineering in Shoeburyness, Essex, to correct some minor running issues and an oil leak, which were commissioned by the vendor earlier in 2024.

'GX 2487' is accompanied by one of the largest history files we have come across (two whole suitcases!) that comprises two voluminous ring binders attesting to the history and restoration work, with a hand-written “costing” document equating to some £70,184 of spend between 1990 and 1994. The files document back to 1954 and also hold correspondence with then Technical Advisor to the Lagonda Club, Ivan Forshaw. The car is today rated by the vendor as ‘excellent’ regarding both its mechanical and cosmetic condition. Now to be offered to the market by the vendor due to needing funds for a business venture, 'GX 2487' could be one of the finest examples of a Speed Model Lagonda in existence today.

PLEASE NOTE: After investigation we have established that 'GX 2487' is not fitted with the original engine block, the replacement unit which has been fitted to the car since its restoration is numbered SL 926.