Recently we shared news regarding the inaugural Restoration Show Sale to be held April 12 at the NEC in Birmingham, England. We have just received photos of the rare 1939 Lagonda V12 Hooper two-door “saloon” as well as news of a pair of barn-found Aston Martins that will be offered at the Silverstone Auctions’ event.
The ’39 Lagonda shows only 40,000 miles on its odometer. It was specially built for the wife of the owner of Hooper Bodies Ltd. However, with the onset of World War II, the car was placed into storage after just a few weeks on the road and remained there until being sold in 1952 to Harry Ellard, who made the car the centerpiece of his collection of 40 vehicles.
Ellard, an engineer, reportedly assembled the largest collection of Lagondas. After his death, his cars were sold in 1984 at an auction that featured the Hooper-bodied car on the cover of the catalog. The car sold again in 2001 but has been in storage since that sale.
“We’re very proud to play a part in the car’s unique history,” said Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions. “Lagonda was one of Britain’s finest luxury marques and this model’s fascinating history is sure to raise the interest of potential owners.”
The design and engineering of the 1939 Lagonda was led by W.O. Bentley after the company that carried his name was sold to Rolls Royce and he joined Alan P. Good’s Lagonda Motors.
David Brown bought Lagonda in 1947 and merged it with his own company to form Aston Martin Lagonda. There are recent reports that Aston Martin will return the Lagonda nameplate to the road in the form of a new luxury sport utility vehicle.
Speaking of Aston Martin, a pair of DBSs will be offered at the Restoration Show Sale, which will include more than 80 lots.
The 1969 DBS Vantage is one of only 70 right-hand steered versions. Still in original condition, it most recently was purchased in 2002. That owner, the car’s third, drove the car for one year and then put into storage.
The 1970 DBS V8 is an early Series I car with only 27,700 miles, comes from the same owner and was stored in the same barn for a decade.
“Everyone loves an Aston and both these amazing cars are prime for restoration and once back on the road are sure to provide enjoyment for many years to come,” said Whale.
“It’s not often we find two exciting models in one place and these cars present a fantastic opportunity to acquire fast-appreciating examples of the marque.”
