1935 Lagonda Rapier Sports Special
- Engine
- 1.1L supercharged DOHC inline-four, ~110 bhp at 5,000 rpm
- Colour
- Black
The 1935 Lagonda Rapier Sports Special (chassis D11419) is a rare and technically advanced pre-war sporting car powered by a supercharged twin-overhead-camshaft 1,104cc four-cylinder engine producing over 110bhp — more than double standard output. Originally bodied as a closed coupé by Abbott, it was subsequently rebodied as an open Brooklands-style boat-tail two-seater. After extensive VSCC competition in the late 1980s, the car underwent a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration by Lagonda specialist Bishopgray, followed by a full engine rebuild by Phil Reilly & Co.
Ownership
- 2022-09-30Auction saleSold US$125,000
- 1951 →Founding member of the Rapier Registrypartial documentation
Car was wearing a two-seat tourer body at this time; precise end date of ownership not stated but preceded the 1980 transfer.
- 1980 →Acquisition unknownDavid Millerpartial documentation
Based in Hertfordshire, England; used the car extensively in club racing and hillclimbs through the early 1990s before retiring it and commissioning a full restoration circa 2005.
- 2011 → 2013Acquisition unknownCalifornia-based owner post-restorationpartial documentation
Imported the car to California after the Berkshire restoration; participated in the 2012 California Mille and subsequently commissioned a thorough engine rebuild by Phil Reilly and Co.
- Date unknownPrivate saleLong Island, NY collectorpartial documentation
Described as a well-known collector; used the car seasonally for touring in the Hamptons during spring, summer, and autumn.
Competition
- 2012California Mille2012 California Mille
First event following importation to California after the comprehensive Berkshire restoration.
- —Vintage Sports Car ClubVintage Sports Car Club events at Silverstone
Car competed at Silverstone among other circuits during a period of active club racing spanning roughly 1986 to 1991.
- —Vintage Sports Car ClubVintage Sports Car Club events at Brands Hatch
Part of the same 1986–1991 club racing campaign under David Miller's ownership.
- —Vintage Sports Car ClubVintage Sports Car Club events at Oulton Park
Part of the same 1986–1991 club racing campaign under David Miller's ownership.
- —Vintage Sports Car ClubVintage Sports Car Club events at Castle Combe
Part of the same 1986–1991 club racing campaign under David Miller's ownership.
- —Various hillclimbs
Multiple hillclimb appearances during the 1986–1991 active racing period; specific venues not identified in the prose.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2005RestorationBishopgray
Comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration covering every major system: chassis, bodywork, upholstery, wiring, lighting, dashboard, instruments, wheels, tyres, engine, gearbox, suspension, and brakes. New aluminium boat-tail open bodywork constructed in a Brooklands racing style with twin folding aero screens. Engine fitted with a supercharger raising output to over 110bhp. Total cost exceeded $200,000.
Bishopgray described as a Lagonda specialist based in Berkshire, England. An extensive set of invoices from this work is retained in the car's file.
- 2013Engine rebuildPhil Reilly & Co
Complete engine rebuild with engineering enhancements focused on reliability and performance: revised lubrication circuit, rebuilt oil and water pumps, and new camshafts. Engine run-in and tuned on a dynamometer for maximum power output.
Work carried out following participation in the 2012 California Mille.
- 2013MechanicalPhil Reilly & Co
Rear axle resealed at the outboard ends; rear brakes relined; suspension serviced and rebuilt where required; gearbox resealed; brakes adjusted all round; distributor rebuilt; general servicing and remedial work carried out throughout the car.
Carried out concurrently with the engine rebuild; combined cost for all 2013 work was approximately $57,000.
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