LG 45 Rapide Tourer 1938 for sale

The Lagonda LG 45 Rapide is undoubtedly one of the most significant English origin automobiles of the pre-war era for true connoisseurs. The reasons for this precious status are quickly identifiable: the probably most exciting sports design among pre-war British classics, the technical maturity and reliability of the famous and powerful six-cylinder, excellent light and safe driving characteristics, the rarity of this model produced only 25 times, as well as the great start of W.O. Bentley as chief designer of Lagonda in the years 1935-1939. Added to this is the "adventurous" and also likable history of one of the perhaps most relevant and interesting British automotive brands. This Lagonda LG 45 Rapide was first registered in the UK on February 2, 1938, according to the Lagonda LG 45 Rapide register. The first license plate "GPD 117" remained valid until 2014 and is still present. The first owner was D. W. Dunkerley, who kept the Rapide until 1947. Four more owners in England followed, who owned the car only for short periods. In 1954 another Englishman bought the Lagonda - he sold it in 1961 and reacquired it in 1964 - to keep it until his death in 1977. The widow sold the LG 45 Rapide only in 1982 to the next owner. This one was faithful to the particular Lagonda for over 28 years and used the car intensively in the British Lagonda scene and in numerous events and rallies until its 90th birthday in 2010. The next owner from 2010 dedicated himself intensively to the car and researched its history. He also participated in several rallies from 2011 to 2014. In addition, he had the car serviced in 2010/2011 with greater commitment. A corresponding list is available. In 2014 the Lagonda then arrived at a collector in Germany and was sold in 2020 to another owner in Germany. In 2023 the car arrived at an owner in Hamburg, who participated with it in the legendary Mille Miglia in 2024. The LG 45 tackled the rally with skill without problems. Recently the car received a new paint job in its original delivery color gray. In addition, the dark red leather interior has been refurbished and the hood has been renewed. This original color scheme fits perfectly with the LG 45 Rapide - then as now. All owners from 1938 to the present are known by name. In addition, some illustrious anecdotes and stories about previous owners have been passed down, giving the LG 45 Rapide a lively history. In particular, the last owners in England between 1954 and 2014 were active in the British Lagonda scene and knew each other. The car was therefore a well-known and present appearance everywhere. The British vehicle document from 1961 is available and documents part of the ownership history. As well as numerous other documents, historical photos, correspondence, and records. Furthermore, the LG 45 Rapide is also described and illustrated in the book "LAGONDA – THE 4.5 LITRE CARS OF W.O. BENTLEY" by Bernd Holthusen from 1994. This Lagonda LG 45 Rapide, with its completely known history, is a witness to a historically significant British automotive brand. For most of its life history, it has not been a simple "showpiece", but has been actively used and always maintained by British Lagonda enthusiasts. The car is in excellent overall condition and is ready for the next connoisseur who particularly appreciates the Lagonda brand. It is extremely rare to find an original vehicle of this type available on the market. In fact, he wanted to become an opera singer: the founder of Lagonda Motor Co.