Lagonda Rapier '34

• Exceptional pre-selector gearbox!


• Gearbox has had complete revision in 2020 by a renowned specialist


• Reportedly, only 516 Rapiers have ever been built


• Has the certificate of authenticity and original booklets

Lagonda was founded in 1906. Initially they produced solely motorcycles which later expanded into tricycles. Soon enough, they ventured into crafting the most luxurious cars that bared the uttermost extravaganza. Throughout its history, Lagonda stirred excitement multiple times when presenting its unique designs.

In 1907, Lagonda brought its first car to the market. After a profitable year of building motorcycles and three-wheelers, the founder of the luxury brand decided to delve into car manufacturing.

The inaugural Lagonda car was a substantial automobile featuring a 20-horsepower, six-cylinder engine, bearing striking similarities to a horse carriage. The first Lagonda sold well in Russia, primarily because it was initially promoted there. Following Lagonda's success in the Russian market, expansion plans were cancelled due to the outbreak of the First World War. During the war, Lagonda shifted its focus to manufacturing war ammunition.

In the interwar period, Lagonda reached its peaks. They introduced cars that could only be described in superlatives within the context of that era, sometimes even not fitting entirely into contemporary automotive standards. In 1933, for example, Lagonda offered one of its cars with an 8-speed gearbox from Maybach. In 1934, a small sports car with a unique pre-selector gearbox hit the market, and in 1939, the British marque introduced the Lagonda 'Rapide' with a 4.5-liter V12 engine, boasting 200 horsepower and a top speed of 169 kilometres per hour, or 105 miles per hour, which was almost unprecedented at that time.

After the Second World War, during which Lagonda resumed ammunition production, Aston Martin acquired Lagonda. The new management brought fresh perspectives and ideas. Lagonda closely followed trends, maintaining its distinctive and unique style. Notably, each Lagonda appeared in limited quantities.

Since Aston Martin's takeover, only five Lagonda models have been released. The last one was sold in 2016, and the first electric Lagonda is scheduled to debut in 2025. Lagonda has a unique history, as mass production was never their focus, adding to the allure of their cars, which exude high quality and prestige.

Lagonda Rapier

In 1934, Lagonda showed a smaller model, the Rapier. The Rapier featured a small but high-performing 1.1-liter straight-four that was designed for the Rapier, operated with a pre-selector gearbox. This gearbox allowed the driver to select the gear he wanted before depressing the clutch pedal, with the car shifting ‘automatically’. Additionally, semi-elliptical springs and friction dampers were mounted on the wheels. Mechanically, the Rapier was undoubtedly ahead of its time.

During the first year of production, Lagonda took charge of Rapier production, although the engine’s production was outsourced. In 1935, Lagonda was acquired due to financial trouble, and from then on, the bodywork manufacturing was also outsourced, resulting in various Rapier versions.

Reportedly, only 516 Rapiers were built from 1934 until the end of production in 1938, making it an absolute gem for collectors.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 351 (138 inch)


• Width (cm): 146 (57 inch)


• Wheelbase (cm): 254 (100 inch)


• Weight (kg): 864 (1905 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: straight-four 1104 cc front-engine


• Valve gear: 8, DOHC


• Fuel system: 2 carburettors SU


• Gear box: 4-speed Wilson preselector gearbox


• Transmission: RWD


• Right-steered


• power: 50 hp (37 kW) at 5400 t/m


• Top speed: 116 km/h (72 mph)

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