Lot 668: 1936 Lagonda Rapier Sports Special

This Rapier chassis originally carried an Abbott tourer body, now owned by Tony Wood and mounted on another Rapier chassis. John Oliver, formerly head of Lagonda Spares, purchased the chassis circa 1996 and commissioned the construction of a two-seat racing special for his use, but passed away in 1998 before taking delivery. The vendors bought the car from his widow and commissioned all the mechanical work, as the engine and chassis had not been modified.
Undertaken by well-known specialists Bishop Gray, the rebuild was completed in March 2004. Breathing via a Volumex supercharger, the engine has a capacity of 1,098cc and incorporates a Phoenix crankshaft and rods, Arias forged pistons and Morosco oil pump. The gearbox is a fully rebuilt Armstrong-Siddeley pre-selector with close-ratio gears, while other noteworthy features include an aluminium radiator, 16 inch-diameter wheels (x5) shod with 5.50 Englebert tyres; red leather bucket seats (adjustable for reach) and removable steering wheel to aid ingress and egress. Brakes are standard Rapier.
Not with the car but included in the sale are five original 19 inch wheels shod with tyres that are at least six years old but possess good tread. It also comes with its original crank, rods, pistons, carburettors, inlet manifold, spare wheel carrier, tonneau cover and a few other parts, including a rebuilt BTH magneto and the original dynamo.
‘CYY 786’ is fully road legal, with wings, lights, turn indicators and seatbelts. It has run this year at VSCC Donington test day, Shelsley Walsh, Cadwell Park, Wiscombe and Loton Park, proving to be both reliable and quick. The vehicle is offered with sundry invoices, VSCC buff from, MoT/road fund licence to May 2006 and Swansea V5. Also included is a press binder with the complete history of the rebuild to racing specification since the vendors purchased the car in 1998.
The car’s recently serviced Brian James Minno trailer with full deck, tie downs and small spares box is available separately for sale by private treaty together with a 1,500cc block of uncertain origin.