1935' Lagonda M35R

The Lagonda M35 R was built only in 1935 to provide a bridge between the departing 3 litre model and the new Meadows 4 ½ litre engined M45. Its 3 ½ Litre six cylinder seven bearing crankshaft engine (number 2978) was a development of the 3 litre unit using a redesigned block which allowed for the requisite bigger cylinder bores. The car used a Rapide chassis (in this case number Z11228) designed by Lagonda for the Meadows engine with the most obvious external difference to the 3 litre being much larger brake drums – this is a very useful feature as the 3 ½ litre car was designed to have a top speed of 85 miles per hour.

This superb car’s history is known from when it was first registered on 30th September 1939 to a Dr. Turton of Derbyshire right up to its present owner – in fact it comes with three original card log books which record its ownership from 1939 right through to 1967 after which it went through the hands of two more owners before being acquired by its present proprietor in 1987.

It originally left Lagonda with a factory T9 touring body but in 1950 Dr. Turton had this replaced with a custom built saloon body supplied by L. E . Jackson (Coachworks) Ltd of Loughborough at a cost of 902 Pounds and 16 Shillings (£902.80p!). By this time the chassis had covered less than 23,000 miles.

The car came to its current home in 1987 as a rolling chassis accompanied by a newly built replica of its original Lagonda T9 body and its new owner set about restoring the whole car to concours condition since when he has subsequently made regular use of it on various events and for touring in both the UK and Europe. I am indebted to him for the very comprehensive history and extensive file of invoices and important Lagonda data which came with the car and enabled me to compile this description.

As you can see in the photographs this car is in very good condition even though it is 28 years since its restoration. I can confirm that it goes every bit as well as it looks and its very sturdy 3619cc engine starts readily and sounds good, giving plenty of power whilst maintaining steady water temperature and good oil pressure assisted by an external oil cooler which is particularly useful when cruising on motorways. The gearbox is very quiet as is the transmission and the car inspires confidence by steering and handling well with the suspension giving a firm but comfortable ride. The car has also been fitted with an overdrive which can be brought into play on third and top gears making it more relaxing to drive over long distances.

It is also impossible to ignore its sheer presence as this is a car which makes a bold statement just by sitting there - it is clearly intended to be driven by someone who enjoys their motoring and wants to do it in style. So, if you want a really fine example of 1930s English sporting motoring at its best, then this is the car for you!