The 1939 Aston Martin Lagonda

The 1939 Aston Martin Lagonda

The 1939 Aston Martin Lagonda v-12 rapide is considered one of the finest automobiles in motoring history. Its design and multi-cylinder production made it stand up to Cadillac, Hispano-Suiza, and Rolls-Royce.

The Lagonda V-12 engine utilized a pair of new-design SU downdraft carburetors and developed approximately 180 hp at 5,500 engine rev’s. Its stout torque gave its V-12 the capability to accelerate from a slow roll to 105 mph. A great Britain driver, Earl Howe, drove a Lagonda a distance of 101.5 miles at Brooklands in one hour, and he even stopped with a blown tire.

Only 190 Lagonda V-12s were built, with a few in 1940 following the outbreak of war in Europe. Bodywork ranged from open tourers to formal limousines.