Lagonda - M45 Tourer Vanden Plas - 1934 GENERAL Beautifully presented 1933 Lagonda M45 4½-Litre Tourer with unique Vanden Plas coachwork — matching-numbers, Le Mans heritage, and impeccable provenance. A superb pre-war grand tourer from private UK ownership, ready to enjoy worldwide. A magnificent example of Lagonda’s most celebrated pre-war model, this M45 combines authentic Vanden Plas coachwork, full UK registration, and continuous documented history. Elegant, powerful, and genuinely usable, it represents the pinnacle of British grand-touring design of the 1930s. "A short run on one of the first of the 4½-Litre Lagonda models… delightfully silent and easy running.” — The Autocar, 1933 Registration no. AXR 522 Chassis no. Z10650 Engine no. M45/138 Offered from private ownership with UK registration. Worldwide shipping assistance available. BODYWORK and PAINTWORK Chassis Z10650 was supplied new via Mann Egerton & Co. and dispatched on 18 December 1933 to Vanden Plas for its distinctive four-seat sports-tourer body, completed 17 February 1934 at a cost of £229 8s 9d. Originally finished in grey lined with rose pink—a colour chosen to match the first owner’s eiderdown—this is believed to be the only Lagonda bodied by Vanden Plas in this exact style (illustrated on page 174 of Vanden Plas by Brian Smith). The car underwent a comprehensive restoration (1986–1991) by Peter Whenman (Vintage Coachworks) costing approximately £43,000. Paint, chrome, seals, upholstery, hood, and tonneau remain in excellent condition. Recent updates include new André Hartford hydraulically adjustable shock absorbers and a cleaned radiator with a discreet (and rarely needed) electric fan. TECHNICAL * Engine: 4½-litre Meadows straight-six (engine no. M45/138) * Gearbox: Original unsynchronised 4-speed * Electrical system: 12 volts * Twin ignition setup: one magneto and one coil, firing 12 spark plugs (six per system) * This engine architecture underpinned Lagonda’s 1935 Le Mans victory. Later maintenance highlights include: - Clayden Motors (routine servicing in Jersey) - Bishopgray overhaul of wheels, hubs, and brakes in 2019 - Complete clutch rebuild and service post-2021 Odometer shows 12,161 miles, believed since restoration. Mechanically excellent; starts instantly and runs smoothly both hot and cold. INTERIOR The interior remains beautifully restored and well maintained following the full Vintage Coachworks refurbishment. Upholstery, trim, and seating are in excellent order. The cabin is spacious and refined, providing comfortable four-seat accommodation and an authentic 1930s touring experience. During recent rallies, the car proved comfortable, quiet, and mechanically refined, with a supple ride even by modern standards. DOCUMENTS Includes: - Factory build sheet (copy available on request) - Vanden Plas body drawings (copies) - Original buff logbook and current UK V5C registration - Invoices for restoration, rebuild, and maintenance - Historical notes and expired MoT certificates PICKUP The car is currently stored indoors and available for inspection by appointment. Worldwide shipping and transport assistance can be arranged upon request. Offered from private UK ownership. OTHER INFORMATION - Continuous documented history since new - Engine substitution by Lagonda in period (factory-authorised, hence matching-numbers) - Participated in non-competitive Italian rallies (including Valle d’Aosta) - Always maintained to high standards; fully road-ready