Footnotes

• Lagonda’s early success had been founded on the production of light cars, but the company changed direction 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 race. 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.
  For all its virtues, Davidson’s engine was limited by its tortuous induction tracts and in 1930 a supercharged version was introduced to overcome this deficiency. The ‘blower’ was 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.
  The final Speed Model variant was the Continental, an un-supercharged model with coachbuilt, steel-panelled, saloon body (rather than the more usual fabric-covered type), slanting, slatted radiator and bigger brakes. Another distinguishing feature was its 18”-diameter wheels, which had the effect of lowering the overall gearing for improved acceleration.
  One of only two Continental saloons known to the Lagonda Club, this example wears Weymann coachwork in that company’s later, ‘semi-panelled’ style. A ‘barn find’ offered for restoration, the car is comes with Swansea V5 registration document and is sold strictly as viewed.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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