Lagonda Rapier

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Lagonda Rapier
A Lagonda Rapier with special bodywork
Manufacturer Lagonda
Production 1934–1938
470 + 46 by Rapier Cars[1]
Body style(s) 2-door sports tourer
2-door coupé
Engine(s) 1.1 L Lagonda Straight-4 engine double overhead cam
Transmission(s) 4 speed pre-selector
Wheelbase 98.75 in (2508 mm)[2]
Length 138 in (3505 mm)[2]
Width 57.5 in (1461 mm)[2]
Designer Tim Ashcroft and Charles King

The Lagonda Rapier was a small car produced by the British Lagonda company from 1934 to 1935. A few more were subsequently produced by the independent Rapier Car Company.

At the heart of the car was an all new 1104 cc twin overhead camshaft four cylinder engine. The design of this was done by a consultant Thomas Ashcroft (known as Tim) with the brief of producing "Britain's finest 1100 cc engine".[3] The engine was originally intended to be cast in light alloy but to save cost it was eventually made in cast iron using the original patterns making it rather heavy. It did however produce 50bhp at 5400rpm a very good output for the time. Production of the engine was sub-contracted to Coventry Climax[3].

The chassis was designed by Charles King and consisted of steel sections bolted together. The engine was connected to a four speed pre-selector gearbox with right hand change lever and the Girling system rod operated brakes had large 13 in (330 mm) drums. Half elliptic springs provided the suspension controlled by friction dampers.

Although the original car as shown at the 1933 London Motor Show had a wheelbase of 90.75 in (2305 mm), in order to cater for a wider range of bodies, production cars from 1934 had this extended by 8 in (203 mm) to 98.75 in (2508 mm). The factory supplied the running chassis for £270 to customers who could then select their own coachwork. Most cars had bodies by E. D. Abbott Ltd of Farnham, Surrey. A complete car with Abbott four seat tourer body sold for £368[3]. Other suppliers of coachwork included John Charles, Maltby and E J Newns who made around 12, subsequently knows as Eagles.

The engine was just too large for use in the popular 1100 cc class so a few cars were made with 1084 cc engines.

In 1935 the Lagonda company failed and was bought by Alan Good who reformed it as LG Motors (Staines) Ltd. As part of the general upheaval the rights to make the Rapier were sold to a new company Rapier Cars Ltd of Hammersmith Road, London, a premises previously used by Lagonda as their London service centre. The intention was now to sell the car complete with body and a design was produced by Ranalah. A four seat tourer was priced at £375. Production continued until 1938 but only 46 cars were made[3].

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sedgwick, M. (1989). A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9. 
  2. ^ a b c Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2. 
  3. ^ a b c d Wood, Jonathan. (1989). The Rapier from Staines. UK: The Automobile (magazine)April and May 2008. ISSN 0955-1328.