Registration No: AYE 979
Chassis No: Z 10464
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new to Harris and Russell Ltd of Tottenham Court Road, London
• In current ownership since 2007 and continually improved throughout the vendor's ownership
• A comparably late 3-Litre with the stronger ‘ZM’ type chassis
• Re-bodied in the late-1980s/early-1990s in the style of Vanden Plas tourer

The Lagonda 3 Litre began production in late 1929 as successor to the 2 Litre. In fact, the 2 Litre continued to be made in various guises until 1933, while the 3 Litre was phased out the following year. The early 3 Litres utilised a Z-Type 10ft 9in wheelbase chassis which was an extended and modified version of that employed by the four-cylinder 2 Litre. Elongated from the scuttle forwards, the revised frame could thus accommodate the newcomer's six-cylinder engine. The 'heavy pattern' Z-Type gearbox and ENV rear axle were used providing a final drive ratio of 4.1:1. The 3 Litre model's initial bore and stroke stood at 72mm x 120mm providing 2931cc capacity. These earlier engines are instantly identified by six camshaft tunnel covers on the side of the block. On later cars this capacity was increased to 3181cc with a bore of 75mm - the larger engine is recognised by corresponding 3 plate camshaft tunnel covers and a deeper rocker cover to accommodate longer valve stems. Both engines boasted a robust seven-bearing crankshaft and a fully flooded roller cam follower and valve actuation design. This provided a quiet and smooth operation with a longer operating life than was commonly achieved amongst its peers.

A true thoroughbred, the 3 Litre attracted a select clientele and enjoyed sundry competition success (most notably Lord de Clifford's fine performances aboard a Works 3-Litre on the 1931 Monte Carlo and 1932 RAC rallies). Testing a Lagonda 3-Litre in 1929, The Motor reckoned it was ‘difficult to imagine a car nearer an ideal than one which combines the full performance of a speed model with the top gear performance of the best modern touring car.’ The 3-litre was, indeed, exceptionally flexible, being able to accelerate from 5mph to its maximum of around 80mph in top gear. Motor Sport summed up the 3-Litre Lagonda as ‘a very pleasant car of very high quality and possessing that indefinable but very definite character which stamps the thoroughbred in every walk of life’ – sentiments with which we can only concur.

Chassis number ‘10464’ was supplied new to Harris and Russell Ltd of Tottenham Court Road, London being first registered on the 16^th of October 1933, initially clothed in Pillarless Saloon coachwork. Retained by them until 1942, the later wartime history is unknown, before being acquired by eccentric car collector Henry Elland of Waddens Brook Estate. Upon the passing of Mr. Elland in 1984, a large auction of the collection was held, through which the Lagonda was purchased by Robert Goodchild of Chapel-on-le-Frith. However, by this stage, the coachwork was beyond renovation, and it is believed that Mr Goodchild fitted a Tourer coachwork by Mulliner. Sold at a H&H auction in Buxton in 1996, the 3-Litre passed through a couple of other owners and was provided with another Vanden Plas style Tourer body, before being exported to Belgium.

Repatriated by the current owner in 2007, the vendor is a long-term Lagonda Club and Aston Martin Owners Club member, and ‘10464’ has been well-used throughout the vendor’s custodianship, on multiple clubs runs and tours, including to Le Mans and of the Yorkshire Dales. Continuously improved during the time with the vendor, with notable works comprising new hood, sidescreens (never used), hood bag and tonneau cover costing c.£5,750 in 2008; engine overhaul and repainting to the cost of c.£11,800 in 2014; further engine improvements in 2017 costing c.£2,200; refurbished water pump £550 and a re-cored radiator £1,700 in 2019; and improvements to the Borg & Beck clutch in 2023 costing some £880, as well as multiple services. Starting readily and both running and driving well during the recent photography session, the Lagonda is accompanied by a history file comprising Lagonda Club records, a collection of invoices, and a current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452