The exquisite 1938 Lagonda V12 Rapide Drophead, 1 of just 17 total Logonda V12 examples to be fitted in Rapide speciations before World War 2 eventually halted production entirely. Lagonda, which has been owned by Aston Martin since the year 1947, is a British luxury car brand that was first ever established in 1906. The company was founded by an American-born opera singer by the name of Wilbur Gunn, and one of the more interesting models the company developed prior to joining forces with Aston Martin was known as the Lagonda V12. First ever introduced during the 1936 London Motor Show, the Lagonda V12 was built in approximately 189 units for the entire world from 1938 until 1940. The V12 engine in the Lagonda V12 was one that was designed by English engineer and founder of Bentley Motors Limited, W. O. Bentley, and it’s capable of approximately 150-180hp in standard form. With W. O. Bentley serving as technical director, and Chairman of Lagonda Motors, Alan Good contributing his creative ideas and point of view, the duo brought a number of talented people, including chief designer Frank Feeley, who created the beautiful sweeping lines and phenomenal three-seat drophead coupe body. This particular V12 Lagonda Rapide Drophead is believed to be one of the earliest ever built, possibly the 1st Rapide drophead coupe produced. Originally, the car is believed to have been finished in a ‘mushroom’ paint color with green leather interior from the factory, and was delivered to its first owner in October of 1938. In the 1940’s, chassis 16048 was upgraded with a Le Mans–specification Sanction II “Marine” engine, an intake manifold with four SU DAL carburetors, and a revised firing order. The modifications were used in the racing Lagonda V12 cars that appeared in the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans.
How many made? Approximately 189 Lagonda V12s were built, 17 of which were built in Rapide specification, and only 12 of those 17 cars being Dropheads.
Engine: 4.5 L Lagonda V12 Le Mans–specification Sanction II - 206hp
Debut: 1936 London Motor Show
Top Speed: approximately 110mph
0-60mph: approximately 8 seconds
Photo Credit: @s.dichtl_photography
Research: @rarecarsonly