A Lagonda for a Diesel land speed record?

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The Lagonda offered in H&H's 24 April Imperial War Museum sale, could easily be described as a barnfind. ‘An ultimate barnfind’ in auction house prose, even. But fortunately H&H left out the obvious nomenclature and just describes this great car for what it is. Lot number 35, or ‘BLP 494’ is a 1934 Lagonda M45 T8 Tourer that has been owned by one family since 1967. It was supplied new to a Mister W. Melveston of Addison Road, W14 (which, they say, still ranks among London's most expensive and sought after addresses – okay-okay). However, it was the second owner who gave the big four-seater its nice slice of heritage.

Walter Handley was based on the Isle of Man and a frequent competitor in its fabled motor racing course. In fact quite a few victories led the TT’s organizer decide to name a corner after him. But it wasn’t just bikes Handley was interested in. In fact he supposedly entered Le Mans for the Lagonda works team, although it seems he never made it to La Sarthe as no records can prove this. But there’s another nice anecdote. One of his friends, George Eyston, is said to have tried to break the land speed record in a diesel powered car. And the Lagonda supposedly was used for testing – with a Gardner diesel engine installed for the job. Although the car has been reunited with a 4.5 Litre straight-six ages ago, the diesel power plant comes with the car. Now here’s an idea…    (and this is how the sound would be)

(text: Jeroen Booij)    

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