The Lagonda car company was founded in 1906 in Staines, Middlesex by the American Wilbur Gunn (1859-1920), who named it after a river near his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Gunn had started out building motorcycles. In 1907, he launched his first car and in 1910 won the Moscow to St. Petersburg Trial driving a 16/18bhp model. Having established its reputation, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920s with the introduction of the 14/60. This four-cylinder, 2.0 litre model was joined in 1929 by the first Lagonda six-cylinder engine, the 3.0 litre, but by the mid-1930s, the Meadows-engined cars were seen as the way forward. Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Show and based on the preceding ZM 3.0 litre model, the M45 which deployed the Meadows' 4.5 litre, twin-plug six-cylinder to good effect with saloons being capable of reaching 90mph and tourers even hitting 'the ton' under favourable conditions! A team of three specially prepared short-chassis cars (effectively the soon-to-be-announced M45 Rapide) prepared by Lagonda main agents, Fox & Nicholls, performed creditably at the 1934 RAC Tourist Trophy at Ards and the following year, one of these TT cars driven by John Hindmarsh and Luis Fontes won the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance classic outright. Endowed with such an impeccable pedigree, the Lagonda 4.5 litre quickly established itself as a favourite among the wealthy sporting motorists of its day, World Land Speed Record holder, Sir Malcolm Campbell was one of many high-profile M45 owners, and over 80 years on, this model and the M45R Rapide in particular, remains a much sought-after classic. "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 3 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.

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 quite inspiring. Fitted from new with Lagonda's sought-after in house T8 Tourer coachwork and sold new in 1935, Lagonda records show 'CGU' to have been erected on 27th August 1937, it was despatched to main London dealers Warwick Wright who sold 'CGU' to the first owner Mr W.H.A. Markant of Bath. The same records show that Mr Markant bought the car back to Lagonda for service work in 1936 and 1937. As shown on a copy buff logbook on file subsequent known owners of the car are- Cyril Cadwaladr 1954, George Cooper, Mr A.F. Hooke, Birmingham Car Sales, Michael Hemming-Allen, and Harry Worthington. Then brothers George and David Dickson bought the Lagonda in May 1963 from Worthington. It is thought the Dickson's only used it for about two years and then stored it in a garage in Sussex along with another M45 they owned and sold it on in 1990. The new vendor, a professional motor engineer and former owner of a garage/dealership business, purchased the complete and original but rather tired 'CGU' and so commenced a full body off restoration of the car during the 1990's. He carried out most of the mechanical work himself calling upon particular experts as required. The car was stripped to the bare chassis which was shot blasted and powder coated. Every part that was refitted was overhauled and painted, replacing as necessary. During the course of this, the wings were found to be in very poor shape, so exact replacements were fabricated by John Appleby, at the same time the boot-lid and scuttle were re-made in aluminium and steel respectively as per the original, with timber replaced as necessary.

During this restoration the engine (the original to the car) was found to be in good condition, requiring little work other than a decoke and valve grind but more recently it started to get a little smoky on overrun. As such the engine was removed and totally overhauled by respected specialists Formhalls, with parts provided by the Lagonda Club, costing circa £28,000. This work was carried out just before Covid. The engine now benefits from a modern full flow oil filter system, fitted by David Ayre, the Lagonda specialist in place of the very primitive original gauze filter. The gearbox is in good condition but there is also a spare M45 gearbox (original specification) with new gears and bearings fitted, which is offered with the car. This gearbox was used by Neve Engineering as the patten for producing the new run of gears for the Lagonda Club. The dynamo was recently overhauled and fitted to the new wiring and loom that were fitted during the rebuild. The rear axle has a fresh crown wheel and pinion to the recommended ratio which is higher than the original. The higher ratio makes for better touring without any loss of performance. The radiator was re-cored and fitted but with a modified shutter open/close system. The original thermostatically controlled system opens and closes too early perhaps but can easily be re-fitted. A 'scale' remover is fitted into the top hose in place of the Club recommendation of fitting an old sock! Lagonda engines/radiators can collect scale which will eventually block the radiator.

Any of these minor modifications fitted can be very easily returned to exactly the original specification. The steering scroll and peg were replaced recently, due to a bearing failing in the steering box. A steering damper is fitted to the track rod which makes the steering smoother in operation and less lively. A complete new stainless steel exhaust system was fitted a few years ago, manufactured by John Batt. This is a superb example of one of the finest prewar British sportscars envied by many and today it looks spectacular and drives superbly as informed by its meticulous celebrity owner. There is also a spare cylinder block and a host of international rally plaques which show just how well travelled the Lagonda has been. The present owner has also fitted a new chrome short-trumpet horns - not too showy but more in keeping with the radiator and the headlamps and it is also FYVE registered.Consigned by James Good

Lot details
Year: 1935
Make: Lagonda
Model: M45 T8
Registration: CGU 766
Chassis No: Z1023
Engine No: 2874
Odometer: tba

* Owned by gardener, writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh CBE
* Superb condition throughout
* Documented ownership from 1935