1938-1939 Lagonda V-12: A Rare Automotive Gem

1938-1939 Lagonda V-12 Browse the article 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12

1938-1939 Lagonda V-12

The 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12 was the second-generation "Bentley," produced under the aegis of W.O. Bentley after he joined Lagonda in 1935. It was bred in the same heroic mold as his earlier cars, but with a magnificent single-cam 60-degree V-12. Features included a solid separate chassis, torsion-bar independent front suspension, and a huge choice of bodies from tourers to limousines.

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1939 Lagonda V-12 convertible.  See more pictures of 1930s cars.

Though the engine is a problem for today's restorers -- parts for it simply don't exist anymore -- this was one of the 1930s fastest British cars, with a brave and well-executed basic concept that made it altogether more sporting and exciting than a contemporary Rolls/Bentley. Silky smooth performance up to a 105-mph top speed in a 5,000-pound car was -- and is -- formidable.

Pluses of the 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12:

• High performance from splendid engine
• Rarity
• Smooth and sophisticated
• Styling
• A CCCA Classic

Minuses of the 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12:

• Engine parts not available
• Complex to maintain
• Heavy and thirsty
• Ownership costs very high
• Little U.S. interest

Production of the 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12:
189

Specifications of the 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12:
Wheelbase, inches: 124.0-138.0
Length, inches: 200.0-212.0
Weight, pounds: 4,400-5,000
Price, new: NA

Engines for the 1938-1939 Lagonda V-12:

Type Size
Horsepower
Years
ohc V-12
4,480 cc (273 cid)
180 1938-1939
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