Rooted in the 1935 Le Mans-winning 4 1/2-Litre M45, the LG45 model marked a new era at Lagonda, following Alan Good’s reorganization of the company and the recruitment of engineering legend W.O. Bentley from Rolls-Royce. The Rapide topped the LG45 line and epitomized British sports tourers during the 1930s. The beautifully restored example offered here is certainly one of the finest extant, exuding power, speed, and adventure from every vantage point.

Underneath the sleek Frank Feeley-designed body, mechanical upgrades overseen by W.O. Bentley included a compression boost and a high-speed final drive, rendering the mighty Rapide a true 100 mph car – a point confirmed by testers from Motor, who reached a startling 108 mph testing the model in 1937. Just 25 LG45 Rapides are thought to have been built, with these beautiful performers priced from £1,050 – a truly remarkable value. This highly developed Sanction 4 car is the 20th Rapide built, and according to its build record included such factory-fitted improvements as the new G-10 gearbox (featuring synchromesh second, third, and top gears), plus the improved engine specification of the LG6 model that was yet to come in 1938.

According to research conducted by a previous owner, in conjunction with the Lagonda Club, the subject Rapide was first owned by F.G. Casswell of Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, who registered the car “FPJ 199.” It passed from a subsequent owner to Laurence Mitchell of Fittleworth just before the outbreak of WWII, and was maintained at the London garage of Josh Shirman, who eventually purchased the car in 1955. First registered by Mr. Shirman in 1963, the Rapide was seldom used over the years; in fact, UK MOT records document just 1,700 miles between 1974 and 2008. Interestingly, while the car was periodically shown by Mr. Shirman during his tenure, it was unknown for some time to the Lagonda Club. Following inspection by Lagonda historian Arnold Davey, the car was pronounced one of the formerly “missing Rapides.”

The Rapide was acquired by noted collector Ron Rezek in 2008 and brought to North America. During 2010 and 2011, it received an extensive restoration, returning it to its factory-original colors and mechanical specification, which was completed to concours-level standards by Vancouver’s acclaimed RX Autoworks. During the process, the Rapide was disassembled, revealing that the vehicle retained a high level of integrity and originality. The original colors and finishes were discovered and matched, and the wooden body framing and aluminum coachwork were restored where possible and replaced as required. Following completion, the Rapide was exhibited with success, including Best in Class and Best of Show honors at Forest Grove, Quail Lodge, and the Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance in 2012. Significantly, the Rapide was exhibited at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

In 2015, Mr. Rezek parted ways with his prized Lagonda; it then became a significant addition to a respected Southern California collection, where it received expert care, and maintenance was performed as necessary to the collection’s high standards. In 2023, the Rapide was acquired by the consignor, himself a notable West Coast enthusiast, who is respected for his strict attention to detail and authenticity. Under his ownership, the Rapide has been further refined both cosmetically and mechanically, raising the car to an even higher standard of presentation. He recently commented that he believes the Lagonda is not only one of the most beautiful cars in his eclectic collection, but also one of the easiest to drive and enjoy.

Having traveled scarcely more than 2,000 miles since its restoration, this LG45 Rapide is equipped with a tool set, plus the engine crank, jack, and weather gear, comprising a full tonneau cover and a black canvas top. Notable supporting documents include service and UK MOT records, Rapide registry, registration book, Lagonda Club correspondence, and a copy of the factory-issued build and service card. Among the most desirable of all sporting Lagondas, and more broadly, one of the most coveted prewar British automobiles, this sparkling LG45 Rapide is an engineering tour de force, and one of the first Lagondas directly influenced by the deft hand of W.O. Bentley.