Lagondaforum

Subject: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

Not that I am doing it soon but one day I shall replace the carpets in the 1933 16/80. PArt of the fun for me is discovering how things were originally and then trying to match that as closely as possible.

Does anyone know what carpet was used by Lagonda in the mid-30s? I assume it was not the ubiquitous Wilton. Some research suggests it may have been a trade marked auto carpet known as Karvel but who knows?

Thoughts anyone.

---

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

I doubt it was the abominable Karvel, unless they produced a range of qualities. My 1951 Riley had that rubbish originally, and it's one area where I have not slavishly followed originality.
My V12 still has its original carpet, and it certainly isn't Karvel, and yes, I'd say Wilton a likely contender.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

Ah thanks Laurence, that's reassuring. I agree the Karvel stuff is rather nasty isn't it! So Wilton for the floors but then what about the seat backs? On the tourers this may have been a kind of velour but I don't know if that was produced back in the 30s, certainly the pile on Wilton would be too long for the seat backs.

---

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

Unfortunately can't advise on that, the V12's seats have leather backs.
The "Lagonda in Detail" book relevant for your era might give you some pointers, but best of all would be to seek out an original car.

Laurence

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

I have a good selection of the recognised Lagonda books however most of the original photos are in black & white and not sufficient in quality to make out such small details. While the colour photos are almost by definition concours or highly photogenic cars that have typically been restored or renovated.

---

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

Some 40 years back, when retrimming my 1932 16/80, I found a pristine piece of the original green carpet that had survived over the glove locker. I kept this just in case...

Don't know the make, but you're welcome to have a look at it!

John S36

---

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

Generally, fragments of original carpet do survive – as mentioned by John.

These would almost certainly have been woven. Most normal domestic carpets are “tufted,” where the pile is injected into a backing material which is then bonded to a secondary backing such as hessian. These are fine for a house but are quite stiff. Cars really need cut pile “plush” Axminster/Wilton carpets where the pile is woven into the backing. These are much more flexible and durable, especially for an open car.
Some Lagondas used a slightly speckled carpet and presumably there were specialist carpet weavers who produced short runs for the bus and coach-building industry with a Jacquard Loom. A well-known person in the Lagonda Club had some of these replicated but they were expensive.

My M45 saloon had some original carpets which unfortunately my trimmer threw away after I replaced them with Ulster Velvet. This has a very deep pile, and I suggest looking round your local carpet showroom to see if there are any other makes you like – but not tufted!

Colin M34

Ps I detest “Karvel” as well!

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

I would agree with Wilton or equivalent specification to replicate the type of pre-war carpet used in our cars. I have found some of the carpets supplied by Jaguar trim specialists to be very good. Worth a web search and request samples.
Of course in saloons carpet performed a sound deadening role as well. Not sure if this was an acknowledged benefit, but does anyone know if Lagonda used an underfelt? Reason I ask is that my LG45 de Ville at some point inherited some awful domestic underfelt.
I wish to replace it but wanted to stay within the spirit of the original. Advice gratefully received
Regards
Mark

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

My V12 has underfelt that appears to be original, given that the carpets are original. It is cut fairly approximately to fit, with circular holes punched for the special floor retaining bolts. It is black, and is felt, not that hairy material used years ago for domestic carpet underlay.
The carpet incidentally is leather bound, and in some areas it is retained by Lift-the-dot fasteners.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Type of carpet in pre-war Lagondas

---

Yes, I agree with Laurence, leather bound woven carpets held in place with "lift the dot" fasteners were used by Lagonda. This has the advantage that underfelt can be clipped on first.

Also, if the car went in for a service, the first thing that happened was that most of the interior trim would be removed and placed in the "kit store" to be kept clean away from the car.Take a look at page 205 of Geoff Seaton's book.

Colin