Subject: Re: 1957 Lagonda Mk2 3.0 Litre 4-door at Beaulieu
I am the son of the deceased owner of this car.
The car is for sale by auction this SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER at Bonhams Beaulieu.
SRD has never seen the car, only photos. It has been barn stored in Cornwall for many years. It is true that it has been modified in some respects in relation to brakes, wheels and lowering but it is unlikely that this is irreversible or of significant cost in the overall scheme of a full restoration.
SRD is correct in one respect, the value lies in the engine and gearbox, plus some other parts that it shares with an Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark 2 or 3. The engine was removed from the car by my father in about 2000 with a view to replacing it with a more powerful Jaguar engine. When removed it was in running condition and it has been dry stored in Surrey ever since. It has only been outside, under a tarpaulin, for the last few summer months which will not have made a difference. However, it was never intended to be left for so long, so no storage precautions were taken when removed from the car.
The engine is NOT fully seized, it will turn through about 90 degrees which indicates some rust in the bores. SRD only made an attempt to turn it with a starting handle, which extended under an adjacent motor caravan and, therefore had little leverage!
I am not sure where the engine number VB6J/240 has come from - the engine number on the front timing cover is VB6H/738, the original engine number, which I believe has been modified to Vantage spec with triple carbs etc. (the FOUR cylinder engine pictured in Bonhams' catalogue is something quite different).
Very happy to talk to anyone who would like more information, either via email or on 07801626574
All the best,
Charlie Robinson