Low Chassis Lagonda T1 Tourer Restoration - PL 189
Nearing completion after being off the road for more than 50 years. The 3 litre Bentley’s have been uprated to 4 1/2 litre forever. Curious why it really never caught on with Lagonda’s, 2 litre to 4 1/2? I guess to do a proper job its not an easy conversion. The rewards from the conversion are spectacular though, all the great driving characteristics are retained with the benefit of more power, a perfect combination!
The black and white image shows the vehicle as it was back in 1930. It was then off the road for more than 50 years.
Low Chassis Lagonda T1 Tourer Restoration Nearing completion
You can see more of the initial stages of this restoration and the work that was needed on it. We’ll also update the latest progress we’ve made as the car nears completion by visiting our PL 189 page.
The original T1 Lagonda body, covered in criss-cross patterned Rexine exactly as it left the factory in 1930. We covered this ourselves under the guidance of the expert Graham Moss who has an exceptional eye for detail.
A very steep learning curve, but it looks absolutely fantastic, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Low Chassis Lagonda T1 Tourer Restoration PL 189 Restoration - Progress March 2024
After an intensive year of work the project is now nearing completion. Having laid largely dormant for 50 years, the reconstruction needed was extensive.
This T1 was one of four vehicles I purchased at auction a number of years ago from a deceased estate. The previous owner was an eccentric collector who dismantled everything he had. The original body has been restored and covered traditionally using Rexene. The 2 Litre engine and gearbox were in very poor condition and have been replaced by a 4 1/2 meadows engine and gearbox.
This set up has been very successful and has proven its reliability on The London to Cape and Peking to Paris events (as well as numerous other long distance events).
We undertook a total restoration of this beautiful vehicle. The original T1 body was upgraded with an M45 engine and a T8 gearbox.
And here’s the Lagonda in June 2024 at a recent Children’s Charity track day at Goodwood. The sun shone all day, perfect weather and a great day. There was a lot of support for the charity event. The Lagonda was the only Pre War car on the track surrounded by lots of modern stuff!! Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, Astons & Jaguars to name a few. The Lagonda put up a good show considering it was 90 plus years older! A great day with lots of nice cars and very enthusiastic drivers.
The finished article...and now for sale!
Our Low Chassis Lagonda T1 Tourer Restoration is now complete! This is my own Lagonda restored by me to a very high spec with lots of attention to details. I bought this Lagonda T1 tourer many years ago from an auction, totally dismantled and in a very sad state. It was mechanically incomplete but I bought it with a view to updating it with a big Meadows engine. I have had great success with this conversion. In 1998 I drove a similar car from London to Cape Town overland and had no mechanical issues. So here is PL now totally restored and back on the road with a big Meadows engine, a T8 gearbox, 4 1/2 differential, uprated springs and large capacity fuel tank. Absolutely everything has been restored with a huge amount of attention to detail. Now fully run in, tried and tested. And For Sale!
Expert service and advice
As a veteran and Vintage Lagonda restorer/owner as well as Rally Support and competitor, we pride ourselves in having the knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to be able to offer the most detailed and comprehensive service to our worldwide customer base.
Contemplating buying a Lagonda, Vintage Bentley or an S Type Invicta? Or do you already own a Pre War High or Low Chassis Lagonda, Bentley or an S Type Invicta? If you need some guidance then please do contact us for some expert advice, we’ll be only too happy to help.
Although we do consider ourselves specialist in the Lagonda, W.O. Bentley Marque, in particular the Speed Six Vintage Bentley, 6 1/2 Litre Vintage Bentley and S Type Invicta, we can also provide expert advice and guidance on all Pre War Cars. Contact us at david@davidayre.com