Lot 347: 1954 Lagonda 3.0 Litre Three Position Drophead Coupe

When the Lagonda 3.0 Litre was introduced in 1953 it retained the 2.6 Litre Mark 2's chassis, albeit altered to carry handsome new coachwork from Tickford and with a specially balanced prop shaft and flexibly mounted final drive. The high revving, strong engine - also used in the Aston Martin DB2/4 - producing 140bhp at 5,000rpm - propelled the Lagonda to over 100mph and 0-60mph in 18.2 seconds. Roadholding was also strong, allied to excellent comfort and refinement. Initially only a two door saloon was offered, followed soon after by a drop-head coupé and then a four door saloon; notably, the Duke of Edinburgh was among many famous owners. A Mark 2 saloon with floor gear change appeared in 1955 but the problems of making two ranges of cars led to Aston Martin Lagonda ending production in February 1958. This 1954 Drop-head Coupe was manufactured on the 6th December and delivered new to Arlington Gardens, SW1. It is supplied with a full ownership history which details the car being dry-stored from 1968 until 1998 when it was completely overhauled. Finished in dark blue, RYH 370 is described as being in good condition throughout with the paintwork in particularly good order. It comes complete with the original handbook and service manual, buff log book, old tax discs and an assortment of bills, together with a V5 registration document and a MoT test certificate and road fund licence both valid for 12 months. With the straight six, three litre DB2/4 engine, combined with the later fitment of the slick floor-mounted gearlever for the four speed gearbox, this Lagonda provides a quick turn of speed.