According to a copy of its original build sheet, included on file, Lagonda LG45 number Z10681 was originally delivered to the Warwick Wright dealership in London on 23 December 1933, finished in Green with the factory’s sporting T7 Tourer bodywork. Specified with a centre driving lamp, Smiths instruments, a polished wood dashboard, dual horns, and a hood in black twill, it was registered to the original owner, Mr A. Markham Esquire of Oxford, on 24 January 1934, under the registration number AXF 41, which it still wears today.

Mr Markham did not keep the car long, as by 13 August 1935, it was sold, this time by the famous Lagonda agents Dobson & De Clifford Ltd. Lord de Clifford was synonymous with the Lagonda marque, having won a Gold Medal with one of the company’s cars in the London to Exeter trial of 1929, then completing two Monte Carlo Rallies with success in 1931 and 1932. Following the introduction of the M45, he entered the RAC Rally of 1934, and then set to work on building a car suitable for the greatest of challenges, Le Mans. In 1935, he was a partner in the founding of Dobson & De Clifford Ltd., located across the bridge from the Lagonda factory at Staines, specializing in race preparation of Lagonda cars. Simply put, there was no more illustrious name in competition-tuned Lagondas.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the car’s next owner used the car as Lord de Clifford would have wanted. The car completed the 1936 RAC Rally, driven either by Mr G.G. Wood or Mrs D.P. Wood. Furthermore, according to John Sword of the Lagonda Club, the car also competed in the famed Monte Carlo Rally the same year.

Little is known of the car’s interim history until 1963, when a new buff logbook was issued in the name of Anthony Waugh. Seven years later the car passed to Clive Sherwood, who began to investigate and document earlier portions of the Lagonda’s history. The car was next acquired in 1980 by Richard Bush, subsequently joining Tim O’Rorke’s collection in 1989. It had three further owners, including respected English collector Peter Mullen, before Mr Edward Carter added the Lagonda to his own distinguished stable in 2012, shortly thereafter having it refinished to its attractive original colour combination. Mr Carter spared no expense in bringing the car up to his own high standards, including a full engine and gearbox rebuild performed in 2012, alongside other numerous improvements and adjustments. This work was carried out by the highly respected firm of Glen A Grindrod, with specialist components supplied by the leading marque specialists, LMB. A complete record of this work is available in the history file.

Not only does this Lagonda boast a superb competition, ownership, and maintenance history, but its wonderful purity is backed up by an excellent history file, which includes invoices and correspondence from every owner since 1963. That is testament to the enthusiastic care and attention that has always been lavished on this car.

Many classic British grand tourers of this generation have been described as ideal for vintage rallying and long journeys at high speeds. In the case of this Lagonda, however, such usage is simply the continuation of a very proud 82-year tradition. Perfect for endurance rallies such as the 1000 Mile Trial or gentler tours, this Lagonda represents fantastic value against similarly engineered Bentleys and Invictas.