1938 Lagonda LG6 Rapide Tourer
- Engine
- 4.5L inline-six OHV with twin SU carburetors, ~140 bhp at 3,800 rpm
- Colour
- Dark aubergine
The 1938 Lagonda LG6 Rapide (chassis 12312) is the third short-wheelbase example built and one of only two fitted with the early-style lightweight Tourer body. Developed under W.O. Bentley's engineering guidance and styled by Frank Feeley, the Rapide's 140 bhp 4.5-litre six gave it a top speed exceeding 105 mph. Believed built for the 1938 New York Motor Show, the car later earned Senior honours at CCCA events and was famously featured in Automobile Quarterly in 1969. A comprehensive restoration was completed after 2010.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$671,000
- 1940 →Acquisition unknownCumberland County Council (registered keeper, UK)partial documentation
Vehicle was registered in the UK under this authority upon return from its North American motor show appearances.
- → 1957Acquisition unknownC.A. Rheaultpartial documentation
Based in Dover, Massachusetts; the car had crossed to the United States by this point and had acquired its current Marchal headlamps during or before this ownership.
- 1957 → 1998-05-01Private saleHelen and Gerald Roeserfull documentation
Purchased via a New York Times classified notice; the Roesers kept the car in original condition until 1967, then commissioned a full restoration, retaining ownership for over four decades.
- 1998-05-01 → 2010Acquisition unknownRichard Roypartial documentation
Described as the leading American Lagonda collector of his era, with a collection that once exceeded ten cars; this was the last Lagonda he retained before selling it to the current owner.
- 2010 →Private saleCurrent ownerfull documentation
Commissioned a fresh restoration by UK craftsmen, repainting the body in dark aubergine with red leather interior; work is supported by a documented photographic file.
Competition
- 1968Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA Annual Meeting, Buck Hill Falls 196897.5 points, Senior honors
Car was shown following its restoration by Wilkinson and Sharp; awarded Senior class recognition with badge number 385.
- 1969Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA Annual Meeting, Buck Hill Falls 1969Best of Show Foreign
Second consecutive appearance at this meeting; earned top foreign-car honors and was subsequently featured in a major magazine article.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1967RestorationWilkinson & Sharp
Comprehensive restoration carried out by Wilkinson & Sharp of Feasterville, Pennsylvania, resulting in a two-tone tan exterior finish and a red interior. The shop was considered one of the most respected restoration facilities on the American East Coast at the time.
A dashboard plaque commemorating this work remains in the car.
- —RestorationUnknown UK craftsmen
Full restoration completed by craftsmen in the United Kingdom after 2010, repainting the body in dark aubergine with a red leather interior and a khaki cloth hood. The work is documented by a file with photographs.
Original body wood stampings, numbers-matching engine, and frame were all retained through this restoration.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.