Lagonda 2.6-Litre Saloon

Founded in 1899 by American, Wilbur Gunn, Lagonda built its first production cars in 1906 from its small factory in Staines. By the 1920s and '30s the firm had established itself as a rival to other luxury sports car producers such as Bentley, Invicta and Railton. Ironically, Bentley founder WO Bentley went on to design engines for Lagonda following the take-over of his own company by Rolls-Royce.

In 1947 Lagonda was purchased by Yorkshire industrialist David Brown, who had also acquired Aston Martin. Legend has it that Sir David brought the company based on the strength of the WO designed engines, which would power a new generation of new Aston Martins as well as the revised Lagonda range. The first of these was the 1948 Lagonda 2.6-Litre, available as either a four-door saloon or a two-door convertible, powered by a twin overhead cam, straight-six engine designed by WO (the same unit that powered the Aston Martin DB2) which gave the saloon a top speed of 85mph.

With bodywork styled by Aston Martin’s Frank Feeley, the 2.6-Litre was an advanced design employing a cruciform-braced chassis with independent suspension all round and hydraulic drum brakes, inboard at the back. Rack-and-pinion steering, four-speed synchromesh gearbox and a hypoid back axle completed what was a very sporting package which won good reviews in the press but proved somewhat too expensive to be a great commercial success. In 1953, after just 510 examples had been produced (385 saloons and 125 dropheads), it was replaced by a 140bhp 3-Litre version which shared its engine with the Aston Martin DB2/4 and could top 100mph. Just 270 3-Litres models were made.

Both models could carry five adults in comfort and lots of luggage in the large boot. The interior, with its leather upholstery, plentiful walnut and quality fittings, stood comparison with the very best in the luxury car class and attracted customers such as HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Survivors of all types are now rare and many have been broken up for their engines.

First registered in Jersey in October 1951 (registration number J 2427), this particular 2.6-Litre Saloon returned to England in August 1978. Said to be in good running order and freshly MOTd for sale, it comes with a copy of the original build sheet, a letter from the Jersey Motor Vehicle Taxation officer with details of Jersey owners, many bills and old MOTs plus technical literature relating to the model.