Beschreibung:

1935 Lagonda Rapier 1,104cc Special Chassis no. D11419 Engine no. D3150 1,104cc Supercharged DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine 110bhp at 5,000rpm 4 Speed Manual Transmission Front and rear leaf spring suspension 4 Wheel mechanical actuated drum brakes *Charismatic and capable vintage sports car *Well known Lagonda Rapier *Very advanced DOHC supercharged engine *Phenomenal power to weight ratio *Extensive restoration file THE LAGONDA RAPIER Lagonda returned, briefly, to the manufacture of light cars in 1934 with the introduction of the Rapier, which was heralded by The Autocar as 'a thoroughly worthwhile newcomer among small sports-type cars'. Tim Ashcroft's design had been on the drawing board for almost a year before it appeared in prototype form at the 1933 Olympia Motor Exhibition. In production from the late Spring of 1934, the Rapier was reminiscent of a baby 2-Liter in appearance and was most often seen with four-seat tourer coachwork by Abbott. The car's most notable feature was its gem of an engine; a four-cylinder, twin-overhead-camshaft unit built to Lagonda's design by Coventry Climax Ltd and displacing 1,104cc. It produced 45bhp on twin SU carburetors. A sturdy chassis frame, ENV four-speed pre-selector transmission and 13" diameter Girling brakes completed the mechanical picture. For its engine size, the Rapier was in a class of its own. Revving comfortably to 5,500rpm the motor allowed for impressive acceleration figures and a top speed of around 75mph. With such a specification, the model was consequently expensive to produce. Sales were disappointing, and in 1935, the company was sold to Alan P. Good. Later, Mr. Good managed to persuade W.O. Bentley to leave Rolls Royce and join Lagonda. Having never liked smaller displacement engines, W.O. convinced Mr. Good to sell the manufacturing rights for the Rapier to Napier and Sons of Hammersmith. They formed Rapier Cars Ltd. and continued to manufacture these cars until 1938. THE MOTORCAR OFFEREED This particular Lagonda Rapier left the Lagonda works in early 1935. According to original records, it was said to have been fitted with a closed coupe body by Abbott. The early history of this car remains unknown until 1951 when it was owned by a founding member of the Rapier Registry. At that time, it wore a two-seater tourer body. It passed on to a David Miller in Hertfordshire, England in 1980 and was raced extensively in Vintage Sports Car Club events between 1986 and 1991, competing at Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Castle Coombe, and a large number of hill climbs. The car fell into disuse before undergoing a total restoration with Lagonda specialist Bishopgray of Berkshire in 2005. An extensive amount of invoices from this restoration are on file. New alloy boat tail bodywork was fabricated in the style of Brooklands racer with twin folding aero screens while the motor was specially prepared and equipped with a supercharger providing over 110hp. More than double its standard power output. Every aspect of the car was restored, including the chassis, bodywork, upholstery, wiring and lights, dashboard and instruments, wheels and tires, engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. The car is currently painted black with St. James red leather upholstery. Following restoration, the car was imported to California in 2011, and participated in the 2012 California Mille. In 2013 following the California Mille, the engine was rebuilt in its entirety by Phil Reilly & Co. with considerable engineering performed to enhance the reliability and functionality of the engine including a reworked oiling system, rebuilt oil and water pumps, and new camshafts. The engine was broken in on the dyno and tuned for optimum power. The rear axle was also resealed at the outboard ends and the rear brakes relined. The suspension was serviced and rebuilt as necessary and the gearbox resealed. The brakes were adjusted all round and the distributor was also rebuilt. Today, this particular Lagon