Louis Frankel
Specialist
LOT 520
1933 Lagonda 16/80 T5 Tourer Registration no. OJ 9865 Chassis no. S10381 Engine no. S2130
Sold for £63,250 inc. premium
Lot 520
1933 Lagonda 16/80 T5 Tourer
The Beaulieu Sale Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|10 September 2022, 14:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
1933 Lagonda 16/80 T5 Tourer
Registration no. OJ 9865
Chassis no. S10381
Engine no. S2130
Registration no. OJ 9865
Chassis no. S10381
Engine no. S2130
• Formerly owned by Sgt Freddie Dixon, Battle of Britain RAF fighter pilot
• Previous keeper for 35 years
• One of approximately 260 examples produced
Footnotes
"Silence and smoothness of running have been combined with performance in the new 16-80 Lagonda to an extent not hitherto achieved in any of these very fine cars. Yet the performance itself is remarkably good, even if judged on maximum speed alone, whilst it is even better from the general point of view if judged on the ability of the car to get under way really briskly..." – The Autocar.
Based on the chassis of the preceding, and very short lived, 2-Litre Continental four-cylinder model, whose overall style and good looks it retained, the six-cylinder 16/80 was new for the 1933 season. The 16/80 employed a 1,991cc overhead-valve Crossley engine, reworked by Lagonda to its own specification, and could be ordered with conventional four-speed manual or pre-selector transmission enabling swift and easy changes. Autocar liked Lagonda's new medium-size model (which took its name from its 16hp RAC rating and 80mph top speed) remarking on its silence, smoothness, brisk acceleration, and effortless high-speed cruising. Three body styles were available: a Weymann panelled saloon; a rakish three-door tourer body, with driver's seat cutdown panel as found on racing cars of the era , and a two-seater sport designed by Vanden Plas (but built by Lagonda). Approximately 260 16/80s of all types were made, of which it is believed around half survive.
This example was owned at the outbreak of WW2 by Flight Sergeant Freddie Dixon, an RAF pilot based at Croydon who was killed when his Hawker Hurricane was shot down over the English Channel during the Battle of Britain. He was 21 years old. Copies of period photographs of him with the Lagonda are on file together with a letter from a family member.
The late owner acquired the Lagonda in April 1987, the previous keeper listed on the V5C document being a Mr Neil Frajbis of Suffolk (as is so often the case, the V5C incorrectly implies that the previous keeper was the first owner). A knowledgeable enthusiast, the late owner maintained the Lagonda impeccably and used it at weekends until advancing years meant he had to stop. For the last 10 years the car has been dry stored with all fluids drained and components greased as they should be. The engine has been rebuilt and the interior replaced (original seat fabric retained and is offered with the lot), and there are numerous bills on file relating to these and other works carried out. Like most old cars, this example will hugely improve with sparing continual use, and its dynamic qualities will be apparent to any post vintage connoisseur.
Saleroom notices
Please note that weather equipment offered with the Lot does not include side screens.
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