LAGONDA

LAGONDA 

The company's founder Wilbur Gunn Lagonda (Wilbur Gunn) was born in the U.S. city of Springfield, Ohio, and in 1897 moved to the UK, where he began manufacturing motorcycles with air-cooled engines. In 1906 he started producing cars Lagonda. Lagonda - changed the name of the river which flowed near his hometown.


One of the rarest cars Lagonda. This racing car with special bodywork was built in the 50s. and had a 4.4-liter Lagonda VI2
Having founded his company in Staines, Middlesex County, Gann began with the release of 4-cylinder family cars. The first sports model was the "14/60" (1925) with a 2-liter engine with two overhead camshafts. Over the next 15 years built a series of Lagonda sports cars, competing with the products of Bentley ("Bentley") and stores all the time branded the tradition, while other manufacturers have turned to more modern technical solutions. The company Lagonda, and indeed most of the remaining independent British companies could not build their own chassis, so it relied on a 6-cylinder engines Meadows ("Meadows"), and experimented with an 8-speed transmission German Maybach ("Maybach").


The symmetry and sharpness. Excellent company logo Lagonda
In the early 30's. a series of six-cylinder cars complemented small four-cylinder Rapier ("Reypier"). In 1935 the company has overtaken the financial collapse, and was introduced by an external control. The new company, funded by Alan Hood (Alan Good), with Walter Bentley (Walter Bentley) as a technical director, not only reborn from the ashes and improved model of the 4.5-litre, but also created a great "V12". Rapier project was sold.


Cars mid 50s. distinguished elegance. In the photo - 3-liter sedan with body company Tickford
After the Second World War, Walter Bentley planned to release a completely new 2.6-liter Lagonda LB6. The intention to call it a Lagonda-Bentley has not been implemented due to the prosecution of the company's Rolls-Royce ("Rolls Royce"), to prove their rights to the trademark Bentley. As a result, even before the appearance of new car sales company acquired a Concern David Brown ("David Brown"), before the company bought Aston Martin ("Martin ace-tone").
In 1947, David Brown has merged these two companies and built a large plant in Feltheme, near Staines. Lagonda was a respite, but has lost much of their individuality. Under the new leadership model "LB6" went on sale in 1948, her engine is also used in cars Aston Martin DB2, and after a major upgrade and racing two-seater "DB3", "DB3S" and "DBR1". The last of these won the World Championship sports car in 1959


In 1974 Aston Martin Lagonda produced a 4-door extended version of "V8", received the name Lagonda
After acquiring firm body builder Tickford ("Tick-Ford") from Newport Pegnela, David Brown moved in the late 50's. assembly of cars Aston Martin Lagonda, and its plant and closed the company in Feltheme. Since then, the Lagonda was a modest part of a larger group, whose more recent model based on the designs of cars Aston Martin. Since the mid 70s. Lagonda name was present on a series of models of Aston Martin.
Lagonda 3-litre ("Lagonda 3-liter") 1929-1934
The first six-cylinder model was the company Lagonda 2.5-litre (1926). In 1929 there was a direct descendant of its three-litre. In many ways, this solid but elegant car, made by hand, competed in the early 30's. Bentley cars from the company


This car is three-litre collected soon after the start of production of the series. For durability, appearance, performance is not inferior to competitors such as Bentley ("Bentley")
Like all typical of British vintage cars, he had a simple frame, several variants of the wheelbase and heavy powerful engine of its own design with polnoopornym crankshaft. The most popular of the proposed body is a 4-seater touring chassis with a base of 3.28 m Like Bentley, the car was very solid (dry weight of about 1.55 m) and was worth a thousand GBP, which is about 8 times exceed the cost of a small family car of the time. On the other hand, the fast and athletic standards for those model years had a magnificent body, carefully researched in detail.


After completion of the 1934 production model 3-faire company introduced a version of the 3.5-litre a row "Six" (3619 cm ', 88 hp). His life was very short. Of course, the volume of production was small. Buyers have found only 65 cars
In the early 30's. Lagonda responded to the fashion of the gearbox with lighter shifting, presenting three-litre Selector Special ("selector Speshiel") with the unit Maybach, provides 8 steps to move forward and 4 back. He was a heavy, complicated and unreliable. Therefore, it was made ​​only 30 of these machines, most of whom are later found the usual boxes.
In 1934, three-litre eclipsed model 4.5-litre engine Meadows. The last attempt to prolong the existence of this car was the appearance of 3.5-litre with a 3.6-liter version of the Lagonda engine capacity 88 hp, which is allowed to develop a speed of 137 km / h Total in 1929-34 years. 570 cars were assembled three-litre, and in 1935 - 65 cars 3.5-litre.


"Rectangular" design of the Lagonda 3-litre became "perpendicular" in the raised hood. Given the poor streamlining, we should recognize an impressive top speed of the car - 129 km / h In the picture presented to the variant with a 6-cylinder 3-liter engine and four-speed manual transmission supenchatoy

Characteristics (1929)
Engine: P6, the overhead
Bore and Stroke: 72x120 mm
Displacement: 2931 cm3
Maximum power: 80 hp
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Chassis: the steel frame
Suspension: dependent on the leaf springs
Brakes: drum
Body: Touring, sedan or limo
Maximum speed: 129 km / h
Options Lagonda 3.5-litre Lagonda 3.5-litre
In 1935 this model was replaced by 3-litre. It had a more powerful six-cylinder engine (3619 cm3, 88 hp) and the body "M45" (4.5-litre).
Lagonda 4.5-Htre ("Lagonda 4.5 liters), 1933-1939
At the British Motor Show 1933 Lagonda company introduced two new models - Rapier with a small engine and a 4.5-litre. As the famous old cars Lagonda, the model had a 4.5-litre a simple frame with strong elements of channel iron cross and a wide range of different bodies. But the main reason for the success of the new machine has been reliable and very powerful 4.5-liter Meadows, who has shown himself a sports car Invicta ("Invicta").
4.5-litre was a very fast car, had a stiffer suspension, but it was very expensive, which limited sales. Since the plant in Staines was not suited for mass production, it is not satisfied with the bankers, who indicated in the mid 30s. increase in losses and establish in 1935 the external management company.


The last Lagonda 4.5-litre was "166" with a b-cylinder-Vym 4.5-liter Meadows, superficially reminiscent of the model "VI2"
This step led to a revival of the company. New Technical Director W. Bentley took the best of the model for the 4.5-litre modernized "LG45" with a softer suspension and four-seater tourist "LG45R Rapide (" Rapid "). Latter was lower than other cars, had a more powerful engine (the company declared 150 horsepower, though in fact he developed 130 hp) and aggressive look with a flexible outer exhaust pipes that run along the sidewalls hood. car could reach speeds over 169 km / h, but at a cost of £ 1050 . Art. selling it left much to be desired.
The latest version of this excellent design has become "LG6", combining a frame of "VI2" with an independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes and six-cylinder engine (4.5 liters) with the appropriate gear. The car body design model borrowed "V12" of Philly Frank (Frank Feeley), but by that time captured the attention of buyers Lagonda V12. Before the beginning of World War II, sales of "LG6" plummeted. Over the years used were manufactured 410 machines, "M45", 53 - "M45R Rapide", 278 - "LG45", 25 - "LG45R Rapide" and 85 - "LG6", many of which have survived to this day.


Option "LG4S" offered in different versions with different wheelbase, with a tourist or sporting body. The most powerful was the Rapide (1937) with a 130-horsepower engine, reach speeds of over 161 km / h

Characteristics (LG45R Rapide, 1937)
Engine: P6, the overhead
Bore and Stroke: 88,5 x120, 6mm
Displacement: 4453 cm3
Maximum Power: 130 hp
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Chassis: the steel frame
Suspension: dependent on the leaf springs
Brakes: drum
Body: 2 - or 4-seater, open or closed
Maximum speed: 169 km / h
Options Lagonda 4.5-litre Lagonda M45
The first of a series of 4.5-litre was the model "M45" (1933-35 gg.) With a wheelbase of 3.27 meters and a wide range of bodies. Powerful motor vehicles allowed Meadows to reach speeds over 145 km / h, and the tourist body - more than 153 km / h
Lagonda M45R
Sports version of the "M45", manufactured only in 1935 and had a short and rigid frame, shifted forward engine with 119 hp
Lagonda LG45
Revised "M45" (1935-37 gg.) With synchronized transmission, softer suspension and a beautiful appearance.
Lagonda LG45R Rapide
Issued only in 1937 korotkobazny option "LG45" with an engine capacity of 130 hp
Lagonda LG6
The last version of the 1938-39 years. was a combination of frame "V12" and running gear "LG45" with an independent front suspension and the body in the style of "VI2".
Lagonda V12 ("Lagonda V12") 1938-1940
The first work came in 1935 for the revival of Lagonda W. Bentley was the modernization of 4.5-litre, and led them to a great team of designers has created a model of "V12". Introduced in 1936, it went on sale only in 1937 and became one of Britain's most beautiful models of the period.
Bentley wanted to produce a car that would be better to Rolls-Royce Phantom III ("Phantom"). He reluctantly involved in the creation of Phantom after the acquisition in the early 30's. Bentley by Rolls-Royce. At the new site Bentley initiated the creation of VI2 engine with overhead camshafts and a new chassis with independent front torsion bar suspension.

This is specially trained to participate in the race at Le Mans in 1954 version of the Lagonda VI2, photographed in Silver Stone. Behind the wheel - Reg Parnell (Reg Parnell). The car crashed at Le Mans

The machine is designed for very wealthy customers have three options for the wheelbase, at least seven different bodies, including a limousine and three axle ratio. Price started the chassis from 1200 GBP (there was no sales tax or value added), and the car was worth 1,500-1,800 GBP

From a technical point of view of the machine was at Rolls-Royce. Although the typical sedan weighed about 2 tons, it was stronger and faster, easily developing speed 161 km / h Most of the body, more fashionable, if not more attractive than the Rolls-Royce, Frank Feely made​​.

Although the Lagonda V12 engine was surprisingly compact, Frank Feely has kept a high line of the hood and grille steep - a distinctive feature of automobiles Lagonda

There was no printing only noble, but the company Lagonda was working on it. If not for the beginning of the Second World War, the struggle could bring a lot of interesting things. Machines "V12" special bodies in 1939, took 3 and 4 seats in the 24-hour race at Le Mans.

For two years the company has released 189 copies of "V12". Equipment for their production during the war was put into scrap metal.

Grace line Body "V12" can be compared with such European exotics, as Hispano-Suiza ("Hispano-Suiza"). Unfortunately, the car has appeared before the Second World War, and its production soon stopped

Characteristics (1938)

Engine: V12, with overhead camshafts

Bore and stroke: 75x84, 5 mm

Displacement: 4480 cm3

Maximum Power: 180 hp

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Chassis: the steel frame

Suspension: front independent torsion bar, rear axle on leaf springs

Brakes: drum

Body: 4-seater sedan or coupe with a retractable top

Maximum speed: 161 km / h

Lagonda Rapide ("Lagonda Rapid"), 1961-1964

After a three-year hiatus, the company revived the name of Aston Martin Lagonda, releasing a 4-door sedan-based coupe Aston Martin DB4. Lagonda Rapid recall the head of Aston Martin, Sir David Brown, his favorite car is the 30-ies. But sales of these machines came with difficulty, and for three years was able to realize only 55 cars.

Under the concealed body Lagonda Rapid proven components and assemblies "DB4". The exception was only less than an artificial version of the engine with two camshafts. Its working volume was increased to 4 liters due to the greater of 4 mm diameter cylinders to obtain higher torque. Were altered valve timing. As a result, the engine developed 359 Nm at 4000 r / min. Just a Rapide increased wheelbase and rear suspension used a de Dion with a double transverse torsion.

Long (4.97 m) and heavy (1.71 m) 4-door sedan body has received several items from cars Aston Martin, including the windshield and some front panels. The front facing option was facing Aston Martin with the headlights diameter 17.8 and 14.6 cm, resembling the style car Ford Edsel ("Ford Edsel").

Rapide has turned fast and easily manageable, but apparently not as elegant as one would like the creators. Like the previous, and future four-door Aston Martin, Lagonda Rapide is not in high demand as a coupe. Its production ceased in 1964, partly the fault was the significantly higher price. In the mid-70s. Company Aston Martin again tried to revive the long-wheelbase four-door Aston Martin, also called the Lagonda, but after making seven cars from the project was abandoned.

The front facing Lagonda Rapide in 1961 copied the style of Ford Edsel, the rest of the body looked like a Facel Vega ("Fasel Run"). Protruding headlights look very awkward

Characteristics (1961)

Engine: P6, two camshafts

Bore and Stroke: 96x92 mm

Displacement: 3995 cm3

Maximum Power: 236 hp

Transmission: 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic

Chassis: Steel platform for

Suspension: front independent torsion bar, rear de Dion

Brakes: disc

Body: 4-seater sedan

Maximum speed: 209 km / h

Aston Martin Lagonda ("Aston Martin Lagonda") 1976-1989

After another change of leadership to the designer William Townes (William Towns), created the series "DBS/V8", asked to develop a 4-door sedan based on the extended version of the platform of modern Aston Martin. The new car received a clumsy name of Aston Martin Lagonda, was introduced in 1976, although deliveries began only in 1978

The angular body, made in the manner of origami, a flat, low and wide, had a spacious cabin for 4 people and luggage. Prototypes have advanced dashboard that was a mistake. Naturally, the company wanted to make a new car as soon as possible and suggested that more advanced than its competitors. Unfortunately, the electronic digital display ahead of time, proved to be unpopular and extremely reliable. Therefore, the electronics will soon replace traditional analog devices.

The chassis was very similar to the chassis Aston Martin V8, but because of the size (length 5.28 m machine) and a large mass of its own (2 m), it was not as fast as its rival Ferrari 400GT, accelerating to 230 km / h However, this car is suitable for longer trips.

As Aston Martin, on the basis of which it created, handcrafted model of the Lagonda was a solid car with excellent performance and is made in a traditional British-style interior. In 1986 she received a 309 hp engine with fuel injection, and the following year it acquired a rounded body shape and same proportions.

Aston Martin Lagonda was the complete opposite of the previousdevelopments, William Ta-Unsal. Under the hood hiding V8 engine with fourcamshafts, which was enough power to propel a heavy sedan to a speed of225 km / h

Characteristics (1976)
Engine: V8, two camshafts
Bore and stroke: 100x85 mm
Displacement: 5340 cm3
Maximum power: ND
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Chassis: Steel platform for
Suspension: front independent on helical springs, de Dion rear
Brakes: disc
Body: 4-seater sedan
Maximum speed: 230 km / h