Details
1962 LAGONDA RAPIDE 4-LITRE SPORTS SALOON
COACHWORK BY TOURING OF MILAN
Registration No. XKW 380
Chassis No. LR/106/R
Engine No. 400/106
British Racing Green with beige leather interior.
Engine; six cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, 3,995cc, 236bhp at 5000rpm; Gearbox; four speed manual; Brakes; four wheel servo disc; Suspension; front, independent coil springs, rear, independent De Dion. Right hand drive.
The Lagonda Rapide was introduced in 1961 at the Paris Motor Show. This was, in effect, a stretched DB4 Aston Martin using the same chassis with a 16 inch longer wheelbase, an enlarged 4-litre engine (which pre-dated the DB5) and De Dion rear suspension. The lightweight body with the distinctive 'Lagonda' nose was built by Touring on the same principles as the DB4 Superleggera. With the extra length the Rapide gives full four seater capacity with plenty of room for luggage. Other luxury items included electric windows and picnic tables in the backs of the front seats. Acceleration, road holding and ride were good and servo assisted brakes completed the overall performance.
Only 55 Rapides were built between 1961 and 1964 and the vast majority were automatics. According to the Lagonda Registrar, Arnold Davey, only 7 were built with manual gearboxes such as this one. Furthermore this example is even rarer being one of only three built in right hand drive form with the manual gearbox.
This Rapide has been in the same family ownership since 1965, passing to the son in 1975. Between 1970 and 1987 the car was laid up. From 1984 until 1987 a gradual yet fully comprehensive restoration costing #13,500 was undertaken. The bills and details of restoration including an AA vehicle inspection report after the restoration are available for inspection. Since September 1987 approximately #2,000 has been spent including a brake refurbishment and a new speedometer head.
COACHWORK BY TOURING OF MILAN
Registration No. XKW 380
Chassis No. LR/106/R
Engine No. 400/106
British Racing Green with beige leather interior.
Engine; six cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, 3,995cc, 236bhp at 5000rpm; Gearbox; four speed manual; Brakes; four wheel servo disc; Suspension; front, independent coil springs, rear, independent De Dion. Right hand drive.
The Lagonda Rapide was introduced in 1961 at the Paris Motor Show. This was, in effect, a stretched DB4 Aston Martin using the same chassis with a 16 inch longer wheelbase, an enlarged 4-litre engine (which pre-dated the DB5) and De Dion rear suspension. The lightweight body with the distinctive 'Lagonda' nose was built by Touring on the same principles as the DB4 Superleggera. With the extra length the Rapide gives full four seater capacity with plenty of room for luggage. Other luxury items included electric windows and picnic tables in the backs of the front seats. Acceleration, road holding and ride were good and servo assisted brakes completed the overall performance.
Only 55 Rapides were built between 1961 and 1964 and the vast majority were automatics. According to the Lagonda Registrar, Arnold Davey, only 7 were built with manual gearboxes such as this one. Furthermore this example is even rarer being one of only three built in right hand drive form with the manual gearbox.
This Rapide has been in the same family ownership since 1965, passing to the son in 1975. Between 1970 and 1987 the car was laid up. From 1984 until 1987 a gradual yet fully comprehensive restoration costing #13,500 was undertaken. The bills and details of restoration including an AA vehicle inspection report after the restoration are available for inspection. Since September 1987 approximately #2,000 has been spent including a brake refurbishment and a new speedometer head.