1934 Lagonda 4½-Litre M45 T8 Tourer

"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 sought after in house T8 Tourer coachwork and sold new in 1935, Lagonda records show ‘CGU’ to have been erected on the 27/8/34, it was despatched to main London dealers Warwick Wright who sold ‘CGU’ to the first owner Mr W.H.A. Markant of Bath. The same records show that Mr Markant bought the car back to Lagondas for service work in 1936 and 1937. As shown on a copy buff logbook on file subsequent known owners of the car are- Cyril Cadwaladr 1954, George Cooper, Mr A.F. Hooke, Birmingham Car Sales , Michael Hemming-Allen, and Harry Worthington.

Brothers George and David Dickson bought the Lagonda in May 1963 from Worthington and the current owner purchased it from them in March 1990. It is thought the Dickson’s only used it for about 2 years and then stored it in a garage in Sussex along with another M45 they owned. The current owner met George who was a Consultant Surgeon in Worthing and learnt about the Lagondas when he had carried out an operation on him.

The vendor a professional motor engineer and former owner of a garage/dealership business purchased the complete and original (see images on file) but rather tired ‘CGU’ from the Dickson brothers in 1990. He commenced a full body off restoration of the car during the 1990’s. He carried out most of the mechanical work himself calling upon particular experts as required. The car was stripped to the bare chassis which was shot blasted and powder coated. Every part that was refitted was overhauled and painted, replacing as necessary. During the course of this the wings were found to be in very poor shape so exact replacements were fabricated by John Appleby, at the same time the boot-lid and scuttle were re-made in aluminium and steel respectively as per the original, with timber replaced as necessary See images on file.

During this restoration the engine (the original to the car) was found to be in good condition, requiring little work other than a decoke and valve grind but more recently it started to get a little Smokey on overrun. As such the engine was removed and totally overhauled by respected specialists Formhalls ,with parts provided by the Lagonda Club, see invoices on file for circa £28,000. This work was carried out just before Covid and therefore ‘CGU’ has run very little since, having only had one trip to France and a total of less than one thousand miles. The engine now benefits from a modern Full Flow Oil Filter system, fitted by David Ayre, the Lagonda specialist in place of the very primitive original gauze filter.

The Gearbox is in good condition but the vendor also have a Spare M45 gearbox ( original specification ) with New Gears and Bearings fitted, which is offered with the car. This Gearbox was used by Neve Engineering as the patten for producing the new run of gears for the Lagonda Club.

The Dynamo was recently overhauled and fitted to the new wiring and loom that were fitted during the rebuild

The Rear axle has a fresh Crown Wheel and Pinion to the recommended ratio which is higher than the original. The higher ratio makes for better touring without any loss of performance.

The radiator was re-cored and fitted but with a modified shutter open/close system. The original thermostatically controlled system opens and closes too early in the vendors view but can easily be re-fitted. A ‘scale’ remover is fitted into the top hose in place of the Club recommendation of fitting an old sock! Lagonda Engines/Radiators can collect scale which will eventually block the Radiator

Any of these minor modifications fitted can be very easily returned to exactly the original specification.

The Steering Scroll and Peg were replaced recently, due to a bearing failing in the Steering Box. A Steering Damper is fitted to the Track Rod which makes the Steering smoother in operation and less lively. A complete new Stainless Steel Exhaust System has been fitted a few years ago, manufactured by John Batt.

Sparingly used for shows and European rallies over the last 30 years- on which it has frequently been awarded ‘The car everyone wants to take home ‘ . ‘CGU’ presents very well and in the words of the long-term owner 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 Lagonda M45 tourer is ready to be enjoyed as the manufacturers intended. Offered with a FIVA Identity Card (expired).