The Lagonda LG45 was a sports car built by Lagonda from late 1935 until 1937. It was an evolution of the M45, renamed after the company was reformed as LG Motors (Staines) Ltd following its 1935 receivership, and it was developed with input from W. O. Bentley.
Lagonda LG45 at a glance
| Maker | LG Motors (Staines) Ltd, Lagonda |
|---|---|
| Production | late 1935–1937 |
| Unveiled | September 1935 |
| Engine | 4,453 cc straight-six by Henry Meadows, overhead valves |
| Bore and stroke | 88.5 × 120.7 mm |
| Power | 115 bhp, rising to 128 bhp in the final versions |
| Bentley updates | new exhaust manifold, twin magneto ignition |
| Chassis | hydraulic shock absorbers, rubber engine mounts |
| Gearbox | four-speed manual |
| Revisions | Sanction 1, 2 and 3 |
| Renamed | Lagonda LG6 in late 1937 |
| Motorsport | fourth in the 1936 Spa 24 Hours; 1936 French Grand Prix; 1937 Le Mans |
History of the Lagonda LG45
A reformed company
Lagonda had entered receivership in 1935 and was reformed as LG Motors (Staines) Ltd. The new company carried on largely as before and renamed this evolution of the M45 to reflect the new company name and the car’s 4.5-litre engine. The M45’s Meadows-designed engine gave 115 bhp and was given various updates engineered by the recent hire W. O. Bentley, including a new exhaust manifold and twin magneto ignition; these raised power to 128 bhp in the final iterations. The engine displaced 4,453 cc from a bore and stroke of 88.5 mm by 120.7 mm. Unveiled in September 1935, the LG45 also featured hydraulic shock absorbers and rubber engine mounts.
Development and racing
The LG45 underwent continuous revision during its construction period, the three main models being known as Sanction 1, 2 and 3, each adding more Bentley designs. In late 1937 the car was updated again and renamed the Lagonda LG6. A Lagonda LG45 driven by Richard Seaman and Freddie Clifford finished fourth in the 1936 24 Hours of Spa. It also entered the 1936 French Grand Prix and the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The middle of the 4.5-litre line
The LG45 stands between two other cars in the same family: it was an evolution of the M45 of 1933, with the same Meadows six, and it was replaced by the LG6, which used a new chassis with independent front suspension. The changes Bentley made to the LG45, particularly to the engine and suspension, made it a significantly more comfortable car than the M45 and better able to meet the competition.
Design and features
- Bentley development: W. O. Bentley updated the M45 engine with a new exhaust manifold and twin magneto ignition.
- More power: 115 bhp at launch, rising to 128 bhp in the final Sanction 3 cars.
- Hydraulic shock absorbers: a comfort upgrade over the M45, along with rubber engine mounts.
- Racing record: fourth in the 1936 Spa 24 Hours and entries at the French Grand Prix and Le Mans.
Lagonda LG45 versions
- Sanction 1: the first production version of 1935.
- Sanction 2: the second revision with further Bentley changes.
- Sanction 3: the final version, with power up to 128 bhp.
The LG45 was developed from the M45 and was replaced by the LG6; the separate V12 was the company’s new flagship. More cars are in the Lagonda collection.
Video: 1936 – Lagonda LG45 Rapide
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Lagonda LG45, English Wikipedia: company, engine, updates, sanctions, racing
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