Lagonda 2.6 litre Drophead Coupe
Home > Feltham Era > Lagonda 2.6 litre Drophead Coupe
Lagonda 2.6 litre Drophead Coupe

Lagonda 2.6 litre Drophead Coupe

(1948 - 1954)

Shortly after buying Aston Martin in 1947, David Brown also purchased the Lagonda Company from Alan Good ostensibly for the twin overhead cam straight six cylinder LB6 engine, designed under W.O. Bentley. In addition to the company name and engine, Brown also acquired some prototypes and the designs for a new car. Production proper eventually re-started in 1949 from the new headquarters on the Hanworth Air Park close to Aston Martin at Feltham using the ridged cruciform chassis from W. O. Bentley. The new 2.6 litre car featured unusual for the time fully independent suspension and inboard rear brakes.

Lagonda 2.6 litre Drophead Coupe

The curvaceous styling of the car was by the gifted Frank Feeley who had been at Lagonda from 1926 and was also responsible for the pre-war LG45 Rapide and many post-was Aston Martins. Described as both graceful and modern, it sadly dated rapidly as more modern full width coachwork became the fashion.

The 2.6 Lagonda sold reasonably well in austerity Britain although it was expensive at £3,420 inclusive of tax, heavy (1543 kg), thirsty and not overly fast, struggling to reach 90 mph. The 4 door saloon version was a little cheaper at £3110.

The car shown here is LAG/48/5, the first 2.6 litre drophead coupe, a factory demonstrator, 1948 London Motor Show car which became the personal transport for Mrs David Brown, the wife of the new company chairman.