Subject: Re: LG45 for auction
The Lagonda LG45 de Ville is a rare survivor and the car on offer at ACA looks to be untouched. Our Club Registrar considers it likely that only 24 were built and perhaps just 3 or 4 survive. The long wheel base de Ville (9 inches longer than the standard LG45) was offered with the option of a central division but this was rarely specified.
Interestingly, the LG45 de Ville was launched with the new G10 centre change three synchro gearbox. The Motoring Press at the time all mention the launch of the LG45 de Ville and the new gearbox in the same article and in the photos the test car is a de Ville. The G10 gearbox was of course developed for the V12 and I believe all de Ville's had the G10 gearbox fitted.
The longer body of the de Ville was cleverly disguised by Frank Feeley by extending the rear doors and including a rear door quarterlight (a good identifier of the model). The car was not pillarless but had a B post to facilitate the division (if specified) and this also helped strengthen the body. The model on offer at ACA has the standard sloping boot which is an elegant design. The continental touring boot was more box shaped and available to special order. The LG45 de Ville is a stately vehicle and very relaxing to drive, unlike other LG45s the axle ratio was 3.9:1 so you cruise around 60-65mph.
Lets hope this rare survivor is restored to its former glory and not sacrificed for another dreary team car replica.
Mark
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times. Last edit on Apr 03, 2018 10:27 pm by Mark.