1957 Lagonda 3-Litre Series III Sports Saloon Project
Registration no. AA 4382
Chassis no. LB/290/1/240
Engine no. VB6J/240 (see text)

This car was supplied new in 1957 to the General Manager of The China Light & Power Company in Hong Kong, Mr Cyril Wood, who kept it until the early 1980s. Delivery was effected in England direct from the factory during the summer of 1957. Mr Wood used it in the UK for several months and during that time it was registered 'SYX 966'. A radiotelephone and a new (lower ratio) rear axle were fitted before the car was exported to Hong Kong that autumn. Mr Wood cherished the car during the next 25 years or so. He was a qualified engineer and the car was always immaculately maintained in the CLPC's engineering facility. The CLPC was owned by Lord Kadoorie who also ran Hong Kong's Aston Martin/Lagonda dealership (the car's supplier) so spares were never a problem. The car was re-sprayed by Kadoorie's company while in Hong Kong. Modifications include the Vantage-type engine ('VB6J/240', the original was 'VB6H/738'), a big-valve cylinder head, power-assisted steering (Jaguar type), lowered suspension and specially made wider wheels. After Mr Wood parted with the Lagonda, it was first owned by the then President of the (HK) Automobile Association, a Mr Posthoumous, who kept it for a couple of years before selling it to an English barrister from whom it was acquired by the vendor, having been laid-up for a year or so. In 1976 the car had featured in the Lagonda Club magazine (Winter edition). When the current vendor bought the car in 1985, the elderly Mr Wood was still alive but unable to remember precisely what else he had done to the car, though mechanically it seemed very sound. Following extensive mechanical refurbishment, the Lagonda was taken in November 1985 to New Zealand where it remained until November 1986. While there, a new clutch was fitted and the brakes, alternator and starter motor overhauled. Around 2,000 miles were successfully (and enjoyably) covered in New Zealand, including 10 laps of the Christchurch racetrack. Since its return, the Lagonda has been maintained by marque specialists Aston Service Dorset and Ian Moss, and since last MoT'd in 1996 has been off the road. Offered for re-commissioning/restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the car comes with HM C&E Form 388 and the owner's typewritten account of its history and list of works carried out. There is no registration document with this Lot.