1939 | Lagonda V12

1938 V12 Lagonda V12 Freestone & Webb sports saloon
Chassis number: 14080
Registration number: FXB119
A quite remarkable piece of automotive engineering, the W O Bentley-designed Lagonda V12 was one of the outstanding British models of its day and one of the exclusive handful of 1930s road cars that could exceed 100mph in standard tune. Not only that, but the magnificent, 4.5-litre, V12 engine produced sufficient torque to endow the car with a walking-pace-to-maximum capability in top gear.

First seen in 1936, the Lagonda V12 did not commence deliveries until 1938 and only 189 had been built before the coming of WW2 ended production. The advanced chassis employed double-wishbone independent front suspension and was available with a varied choice of coachwork, including limousine. As usual, the short-chassis Rapide roadster provided even more performance.

Chassis number '14080' - was first registered 'FXB 119' on 10th May 1939 to Miss Marian Mathieson of 1 Park Gardens, Glasgow. The handsome, owner-driver, razor edge sports saloon coachwork is by Freestone & Webb of North London, one of the finest of all British coachbuilders and a firm associated with quality marques from its earliest days, particularly Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz. In January 1947 the car passed to its second owner, Mr Edward Michael Behrens of Hanover Terrace, Regents Park, London NW1. Its third UK owner was David Hemley Adams, who purchased the car on 12th December 1955 and whose last change of address in the UK is recorded as 1967.

In the early 1990s the Lagonda came to Switzerland, where its then owner commissioned partial refurbishment, including a high quality repaint. In 2002 a German collector purchased the car and kept it until his death in 2005, whereupon it passed into the immediately preceding owner's important private collection. The last deceased owner purchased the Lagonda from Bonhams' sale at Mercedes-Benz World in December 2011 (Lot 419). More recently the Lagonda has benefited from the attention of specialists Bishopgray and Alpine Eagle, the latter carrying out a thorough overhaul of the braking system in September 2018 (bills available).

Always maintained to the highest standard, 'FXB 119' currently displays a believed-correct total of 57,423 miles on the odometer while retaining its nicely patinated original interior. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned invoices; an annulled Swiss Fahrzeugausweis; old German registration papers; and a copy of its FIVA Identity Card.
This low mile example is a fantastic driving car with a taut tight feel to it. A wonderful alternative to an equivalent Derby Bentley it offers unmatched pre war performance & drop dead gorgeous coach work. Interior leather is original & beautifully patinated but very useable as is. The woodwork is likewise in super condition having been removed & refinished.. You really have to drive one of these to appreciate what fantastic cars they are. To own one is a rare privelige.
The gear box is full synchromesh & easy to use with a very positive action This car with so few miles on it runs in silence & is extrordinarily powerful fro a prewar car. I recently drove it at 80MPH on the motorway for an extended perior with brief burst up to 90; astonishing perfomance for a pre war car. The accelerationis to modern car standards & frankly makes a Derby Bentley feel antique, dated & slow by comparison. This is a fully sorted car ready for immediate extended use.