£65,000
History of the model
The Lagonda 16/80 was a British sports car and tourer produced from 1932 to 1934. Based on the chassis of the preceding, and short lived, 2-Litre Continental four-cylinder model, whose overall style and good looks it retained, the six-cylinder 16/80 employed a 1,991cc overhead-valve Crossley engine, reworked by Lagonda to its own specification. Known for its distinctive “16/80” naming convention, which referred to its fiscal horsepower rating and possibly the car’s top speed, it could be ordered with conventional four-speed manual or pre-selector transmission enabling swift and easy changes.
In 1932, Autocar confirmed their admiration for the 16/80, remarking in on its silence, smoothness, brisk acceleration, road-holding and effortless high-speed cruising. Three body styles were available: a Weymann panelled saloon; a steel-bodied T5 four-seat tourer; and a two-seater sports designed by Vanden Plas (but built by Lagonda). Production was limited, with approximately 260 16/80s of all types were made, of which it is believed around half survive.
Chassis No. S10254
This car, chassis no. S10254, was first registered in London in September 1933 and the old-style logbook suggests the car remained in the capital until the mid-1960s, passing through a succession of enthusiast owners until it was purchased by a car collector in the 1970s. This owner went on to keep the car for some 35 years as part of a small museum collection and the car was used only sparingly. In 2007, chassis no. S10254 was acquired by Mr Robert Lewis from Farnham, a renowned car collector, who carried out a complete restoration. In 2018, it then passed onto its current owner.
Chassis no. S10254, is a fine example retaining its original T5 coachwork and has undergone an extensive restoration in recent years. Today, the car remains in very good condition and presents well. The exhaust note is particularly throaty and appeals to one’s sense of fun, and the crash gear box is easy to use with the Girling brakes inspiring confidence. The chrome headlamps are protected by stone guards, and twin Lucas horns and a centre spotlight are fitted. Chassis S10254 comes with full weather equipment including side screens and tonneau cover.
This car would make the perfect entry into the pre-war motoring world, or an exciting car to add to a collection for those looking for something fun and useable.
1933 Lagonda 16/80 T5 Four Seat Tourer.
