1933 Lagonda 4½-Litre M45 T7 Tourer
Registration No. AUU 332
Chassis No. Z10528
"Lagonda cars have always upheld a reputation for effortless fast touring and the pride of ownership which fine detail work and distinguished coachbuilding can give. The 4½-Litre model retains these characteristics, but scores considerably over its forebears by its high power-to-weight ratio. The chassis is no bigger than the three litre car, and there is no suggestion of clumsiness, heavy steering or the other drawbacks which often accompany the large engined car." - Motor Sport, January 1934.
Having driven this car we can only echo the sentiments expressed by the Motor Sport road tester. This M45 covers the miles effortlessly, with its light, accurate steering, quick and easy gearchange and powerful servo assisted brakes. As one looks out over the long bonnet the feeling of strong, powerful and effortless British engineering quality is quite inspiring.
The 4½-Litre Lagonda was one of the most accomplished sports cars of the 1930s, as a succession of high-profile race wins, culminating in victory at Le Mans in 1935, amply demonstrates. Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Show and based on the preceding ZM 3-Litre model, the M45 deployed Meadows' 4½-litre, twin-plug six to good effect, with saloons being capable of reaching 90mph and tourers 'the ton'.
Fitted from new with Lagonda’s in house T7 Tourer coachwork (traditionally the most sought after) and sold new in 1933, Lagonda records show ‘AUU’ to have been erected on the 4/12/33, making it one of the earliest examples of the model, it was despatched to dealers Warwick Wright who sold ‘AUU’ to the first owner Captain S. Baker. Subsequent known owners are Mr Seton, Arthur Ramsay, H.J.P Williams and Raymond Wickham who owned the car between 1952 and 1987.
The current vendor first encountered 'AUU' in 1974 when the car was still owned by Mr Wickham, who lived in Kent and was chairman of the Kent Farmers Association. Having owned the car for many years he, only sold it because of his advancing years. 'AUU' then had two further owners before being bought by Bernd Holthusen in 1991. Bernd produced the famous book Lagonda, and became a great friend of the vendor during the book's production. The vendor became the new owner of 'AUU' by way of a car swap in 1993 with Bernd.
'AUU 332' is a very well-known M45 Tourer, it is considered to be the most original of its type remaining and as such displays a delightful patina. This car has few modifications but retains its original trim and has a new hood and side screens. 'AUU' underwent a full body-off chassis rebuild in 1999 together with an engine overhaul by specialist Peter Whenman and rewiring of the electrics. The aforementioned modifications comprise a desirable Sanction 4 crankcase and a modern oil filter and clutch. The body frame is in excellent condition and the car also benefits from a newly re-cored radiator, carried out in 2020. The original crankcase is included in the sale making ‘AUU’ matching numbers engine/chassis.
Many European rallies and trips have been undertaken with 'AUU', which according to the vendor has been and still is the most delightful car to drive, offering fast effortless touring in the best tradition of the model. Only sold for reasons of his advancing age, this highly original Lagonda M45 tourer is offered with a copy of its factory build sheet; a FIVA identity card and a V5C Registration Certificate.