1937 Lagonda LG45 Rapide Replica Tourer
- Engine
- 4.5L twin-plug inline-six (Meadows unit, early 1934 M45 engine)
A 1937 Lagonda LG45 powered by an early 1934 M45 Meadows 4½-litre twin-plug six, this car is one of 278 LG45s built across 1936 and 1937. Originally delivered with a Saloon de Ville body, it was discovered as a restoration project in 1994 and subsequently fitted with a faithful Rapide body replica by specialist coachbuilder Rod Jolley. Since 2006 the car has been maintained by Belgian Lagonda specialists LMB Racing and used regularly on touring events across France, Portugal, and Sicily.
Ownership
- 2021-10-10Auction saleEstimate €200,000 – €250,000
- 1994 →Private saleIvan Forshawpartial documentation
Acquired the car as a restoration project and commissioned a Rapide body replica from specialist coachbuilder Rod Jolley. An early 1934 M45 engine was fitted during this period.
- 2006-07-01 →Acquisition unknownCurrent vendorfull documentation
Car maintained by Lagonda specialists LMB Racing in Belgium and serviced locally in Cagnes; registered in France with valid contrôle technique. Has participated in rallies and tours in France, Portugal, and Sicily during this ownership.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownMr Jenningspartial documentation
First registered owner, based in Truro, Cornwall. Car at that time carried original saloon de ville coachwork.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFirst subsequent Cornish ownernone documentation
One of two further Cornwall-based owners in the chain between the first owner and the 1994 discovery.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownSecond subsequent Cornish ownernone documentation
Final Cornwall-based owner before the car was found as a restoration candidate.
Competition
- 19341934 RAC Tourist Trophycreditable finish
Three short-chassis factory-prepared cars entered by Fox and Nicholls performed respectably; these were effectively pre-production M45 Rapide variants. This car was not among them — mentioned as historical background.
- 19351935 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: John Hindmarsh1st overall
One of the earlier TT-spec cars, co-driven by Luis Fontes, took an outright victory. Mentioned as marque history, not this specific chassis.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1994RestorationRod Jolley
Car was sourced as a restoration project; a replica of the Rapide open tourer body was commissioned and constructed by specialist coachbuilder Rod Jolley, replacing the original Saloon de Ville coachwork.
The replica body was described as an accurate and high-quality reproduction of the Rapide style.
- 2006ServiceLMB Racing
Ongoing maintenance carried out by Lagonda specialists LMB Racing in Belgium, with routine servicing also performed by a local specialist in Cagnes, throughout the current owner's tenure from July 2006.
Regular servicing also undertaken by an unnamed local specialist based in Cagnes, France.
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