1935 Lagonda M45
Multiple Concours winner
Fully restored by Lagonda aficionado!
Every so often, a car comes along that blows us away. Our latest arrival, a 1935 M45 Lagonda by Vanden Plas, did precisely that: a rare gem, believed to be one of only three all-weather tourers ever built on the M45 chassis by the legendary coachbuilder.
The Lagonda M45 was a standout in its day, powered by a robust 4.5-litre inline-six Meadows engine—a power plant that gave it the grunt to compete with the best of the 1930s. But this particular example feels like a step above the rest now. Its original buff log book, chassis records, and a treasure trove of MOT certificates trace a fascinating lineage: six owners from 1950 to 2007, including the notable Donald Overy, a Lagonda aficionado who owned it for 12 years. Overy, in a bold move, swapped out the original swept wings for lighter ones from his M45 Rapide, dubbed 'The Scarlet Woman,' to race it—quite possibly at Silverstone in a VSCC event in 1966. That racing spirit still lingers in its DNA.
By 2007, the car passed to a gentleman who drove it home from Wiltshire and found it wanting—'ugly' with its mismatched cycle wings and mechanically cantankerous. Yet he saw its potential: a complete, largely original survivor. What followed was a labor of love—rebuilt carburettors, a head overhaul with unleaded valve seats, new pistons after a rebore, a stainless steel exhaust, and a recored radiator, to name a few.
Wire wheels were fully rebuilt, timing gear and front shocks reconditioned, and new Blockley tyres fitted. Then, entrusted to David Wall, a revered Lagonda restorer, it received proper wings with stone guards, a re-chromed radiator shell, and a full respray in four coats of two-pack paint. The result? A car that conquered the Northern Tour to Orkney and Shetland with a freshly fitted head and no proving run, then breezed through Le Mans in 90°F heat without a hiccup. Reliable at 65 mph on motorways with power to spare, it stops, starts, and steers faultlessly—a true driver's classic.
The most recent chapter, however, is where this Lagonda truly shines. Its latest custodian, a close ally of the Lagonda Owners Club and a friend of ours, embarked on a no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt restoration. The mechanical work was entrusted to a specialist who preserved the original engine's spirit, though a replacement block was fitted due to a crack in the original (which, remarkably, is available with the car). The engine also benefits from a fast cam, enhancing performance. Then, a top-tier coachbuilder took over, tackling the all-aluminium body and woodwork.
That work was carried out by **Steve Penny of Vintage Carriage Bodies**, ensuring the car's structure was rebuilt to as near original specification as possible. The wood, sadly very bad, was completely overhauled while the spare wheel—once awkwardly mounted on the boot—was relocated to the wings, restoring the use of the boot! Painted in a stunning grey with a subtle hint of red, it's a colour that catches the light and the eye in equal measure. Inside, **Garry Wright of GH Wright Coachtrimming** fitted Connolly leather, elevating the cabin to concours quality. The existing hood and tonneau, while serviceable, could be refreshed by a perfectionist. Additional thoughtful details include zipped rear quarter lights, reducing drafts and improving comfort.
The car's provenance is further reinforced by its impressive concours history. It was awarded:
- 2021 Concours Cup for the best featured model
- 2021 Car Club Cup for the best car in show
- 2024 Class Cup for M35, M45, and LG45 models
This Lagonda's history is impeccable: featured in Brian Smith's *Vanden Plas Coachbuilders*, with photos spanning its life and a history folder brimming with detail. From Overy's racing tweaks to its modern rebirth, it's a car that's lived—and thrived—through decades of care.
The gauges work, flashing indicators are cleverly integrated into original lamps, and the wind-up windows and quarter lights are in fine fettle. It's as ready for a cross-country tour as it is for a show field.
In a world of DB4s and Bentleys, this M45 stands apart—rarer, rawer, and now restored to a standard that honours its Vanden Plas pedigree. It's not just a car; it's a conversation starter, a piece of motoring art, and a driver's delight. For the fortunate soul who takes it on next, it promises not just ownership, but an experience—and doesn't that sound like the best kind of classic?