79 bhp, 3,181 cc inline six-cylinder overhead valve engine, four-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129"

• Sporting coachwork

• Award-winning restoration

One of the truly great prewar marques, Lagonda actually had rather humble beginnings, starting its operation in the greenhouse of Wilbur Gunn’s home in Staines, Middlesex. The company was soon manufacturing motorcycles and two-cylinder tricycles, and this eventually lead to the construction of the first Lagonda motor car. The 10-horsepower car was followed by a 16/18-horsepower vehicle, which raced at Brooklands in 1909 and won the 1910 Moscow to St. Petersburg Reliability Trial, a feat that resulted in a number of export orders. A 20-horsepower model was next, and in 1910 a six-cylinder, 30-horsepower car was produced in large numbers, with Czarist Russia becoming Lagonda’s biggest market.

An innovative 1,100 cc “Light Car” followed in 1913, which became known postwar as the 11.9 and then as the 12/24. Wilbur Gunn died in 1919, but Lagonda continued to thrive. Two- and three-liter models followed, which built on the car’s sporting reputation.

This particularly handsome Lagonda was first delivered to a Mr. W.H. Kiep in February 1934 through Central Garage of Bradford. It is believed Mr. Kiep was a very good client of Lagonda and Central Garage in particular. After his ownership, the car is thought to have passed through several owners, including Peter Whitehead, who would later become famous for driving the winning C-type at Le Mans in 1951, not to mention ERA, Ferraris and Aston Martins of that period. According to the Lagonda Club, the car went into storage in 1949 and was not seen again until its discovery in 1982.

On discovery, the Lagonda was sent to acclaimed Lagonda specialist Peter Whenman of Vintage Coachworks for a thorough restoration. During the restoration, it is thought that the original saloon body was removed and a very accurate, handcrafted and desirable T-Series open tourer installed by Peter Whenman. From the cycle-type fenders and cutaway running boards to the low-profile windshield and racing aero screens, this is a very sporty body and complements the car perfectly.

A short time after the restoration, the car made its way Stateside, where it entered a prominent collection. Changing hands again in 1991 at Pebble Beach, the Lagonda spent the 1990s competing in historic tours and shows throughout America. The car changed hands again in 2008, and the new owner embarked on a no-expense-spared restoration by Hjeltness Restorations, including a full engine rebuild. The thorough rebuild took a whole year and cost in excess of $83,000.

Following completion, the car was shown at several major American concours, including the Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance as well as the Palos Verde Concours in October 2009, where it took second place. Sitting elegantly with a superb restoration and awards to its credit, this 3-Liter Lagonda is superb in every way and eligible for many historic events.