1933 Lagonda 4½-Litre M45 T7 Tourer
Registration No. AUL 720
Chassis No. Z10477
"Lagonda cars have always upheld a reputation for effortless fast touring and the pride of ownership which fine detail work and distinguished coachbuilding can give. The 4½-Litre model retains these characteristics, but scores considerably over its forebears by its high power-to-weight ratio. The chassis is no bigger than the three-litre car, and there is no suggestion of clumsiness, heavy steering or the other drawbacks which often accompany the large engined car." - Motor Sport, January 1934.
Having driven this car we can only echo the sentiments expressed by the Motor Sport road tester. This M45 covers the miles effortlessly, with its light, accurate steering, quick and easy gearchange and powerful servo assisted brakes. As one looks out over the long bonnet the feeling of strong, powerful and effortless British engineering quality is inspiring.
The 4½-Litre Lagonda was one of the most accomplished sports cars of the 1930s, as a succession of high-profile race wins, culminating in victory at Le Mans in 1935, amply demonstrates. Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Show and based on the preceding ZM 3-Litre model, the M45 deployed Meadows' 4½-litre, twin-plug six to good effect, with saloons being capable of reaching 90mph and tourers 'the ton'.
‘AUL’ is a significant car in the history of the model being the first M45 fitted with T7 coachwork and indeed only the third M45 made by Lagonda. As the prototype it has various unique features- the rear wings have a valance to fit them flush with the body- deleted on production cars to save money on manufacturing, the front light brackets are unique and various other details. The T7 body style is traditionally the most sought after factory coachwork and this being the prototype makes it still more desirable.
‘AUL’ is also the most original M45 we have had the pleasure to offer for sale and is believed to be most original T7 bodied car extant. Traces of the original green paint can be found throughout the cars body, chassis and running gear and the body it is believed has never been off the chassis. It is also believed the wings on the car are almost entirely original- most unusual on these cars where the enormously long wings are prone to corrosion and accident damage. ‘AUL’ also retains the inner wing protectors, which are often either discarded entirely or incorrectly fitted.
Original Lagonda records show that ‘AUL’ was delivered new to Dr Otto Langer in October 1933, finished in green with a black hood. Initially fitted with engine number M45/3, the car has been for many years fitted with engine number M45/12, it is strongly believed that this engine was fitted by Lagondas as a factory replacement early on in the cars life- a frequent occurrence with these cars. The records go onto show that the car was upgraded to a T8 Meadows gearbox in January of 1934- the original Lagonda gearbox the car was as a prototype fitted with being unable to cope with the torque of the Meadows engine.
These records show various servicing work and the car subsequently passing into the hands of P.J.R Barlow in 1935 (see photographs on file showing the car with Barlow as purchased in 1935), with ongoing servicing work shown up to 1938. The car remained with Barlow until 1948. The next owner is not known until the car was with well-known Lagonda collector Ivor Forshaw in 1960, it was subsequently sold to dealer Dan Margulies who had the car re-painted the current red and re-upholstered, he in turn sold the car to renowned UK collector Bruch Spollon in 1974. ‘AUL’ then passed through the trade until going to Richard Wills in 1981, another well-known collector the car would remain with Wills until 1988.
‘AUL’ then went through the hands of Studd, Bevan and Tucker, before being purchased by the current owner in 1997.
A leading light of the Lagonda Club and co-author of the club’s technical guide on this model, he has researched the cars history painstakingly over his nearly 30 years of ownership, contacting all known owners and investigating the histories of all other early M45s in great detail.
Whilst in his ownership great care has been taken to preserve the car’s fabric of originality, thus ensuring the car remains in first class mechanical shape. As such mechanical work whilst in his ownership has included a new cylinder block (original offered with the car), new timing gears and chain, new hood, whilst a service schedule has been undertaken on a meticulous basis over the course of each year. During 2023 a complete engine rebuild was undertaking by respected specialists Formhalls, the car has been used sparingly since then.
During the current long term ownership ‘AUL’ has proved a hugely enjoyable car for tours and rallies and with its combination of effortless performance, elegant looks and superb originality, ‘AUL’ will continue this tradition for the lucky new owner.