1955 Lagonda 3-Litre Sports Saloon

First registered on 13.5.55, this Tickford-bodied Lagonda 3-litre was sold in a 2012 Bonhams auction to a collector in the middle east. The seller at the time had owned the car since the early 1970s. The car had been used sparingly until 1996, after which time it was stored.

We know from an old road tax document that the car had black paintwork in 1970.

This car was on static display from 2012 to February 2022 when the vendor bought it from Bonhams|Cars Online.

In 1993 its odometer read 16,842 miles.

In 1996, it read 17,051.

Today, the odometer shows 17,185 miles.

The general cosmetic state of the car puts it into the ‘project’ category.

That said, there appears to be a good deal of integrity to the bodywork and, although there is rust in evidence underneath, we’re of the opinion that it is mainly superficial rather than structural. You will, of course, want to reach your own conclusion.

Although we haven't tried to start or drive this car, we have managed to turn the engine by hand and can therefore attest that it isn’t seized.

Light grey in colour, the paintwork is something of a curate’s egg – at best, it’s good in parts.

Where it’s not good it is, variously, dull, discoloured, cracked, split, chipped or crazed.

The rear of the car, in particular, looks as if it was at some point being prepared for some restoration work, long since abandoned.

The bodywork, though, is relatively free of dinks, dents and folds, with the exception of a crease to the metalwork on the o/s/r panel just behind the door.

There are also some significant cracks to the paintwork below the windscreen, possibly as a consequence of underlying corrosion.

The rear bumper and light clusters are not in place. Together with sundry other bits of the car, including engine parts, they are in the boot.

We cannot vouch for the completeness, or otherwise, of the collection of parts in the boot.

The remaining chrome work is tarnished around the windows and pitted and foxed in other places - but it could, we think, be refreshed.

The rubber trim is perished and cracked throughout.

The interior is a little tired, dusty and exhausted. Again, though, it’s not beyond hope and has sufficient integrity to make cosmetic resurrection a realistic aim.

The seats, though intact, are heavily creased and the driver’s seat has a tear in it and cracks and scuffing at the top of the backrest.

The carpets have seen better days and are more than a little moth-eaten in places.

The door cards are showing signs of wear and tear and have cracks to the veneer cappings. So, too, does the dashboard.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t been able to start the vehicle.

The aluminium kick plates, particularly at the rear, are discoloured and spotted with corrosion.

The boot is in the same general state of faded grandeur as the rest of the car and is currently filled with boxes of parts.

There is some rust in evidence in various areas underneath the car. The degree to which this extends beyond the merely superficial is something you will want to determine for yourself.

The engine bay is clean and dry and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, this car has a new V5, but no MoT certificate.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

We think this is an honest and eminently salvageable example of what was once a luxurious, rare, hand-built saloon from one of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers of exceptional vehicles.

Although the years have not been overly kind to it, we think that beneath the superficial shabbiness there is a magnificent 1955 Lagonda 3-litre salon just waiting for a new lease of life.

Provided, of course, that the car’s engine and mechanicals are as fundamentally sound as the rest of it.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.