1934 Lagonda M45 4½-Litre Pillarless Sports Saloon
British luxury met motorsport glory when Lagonda’s M45 claimed victory at the 1935 Le Mans 24-Hour race, establishing the model as a serious contender in both racing and touring circles.
Founded by American Wilbur Gunn in 1906, Lagonda had built its reputation on light cars before transitioning to sporting luxury models in the mid-1920s.
The M45 featured Lagonda’s distinctive pillarless sports saloon coachwork, creating an elegant silhouette that appealed to wealthy enthusiasts of the era. Sir Malcolm Campbell, the World Land Speed Record holder, numbered among its notable owners.
Under the hood, a Meadows 4½-liter (4,453 cc) twin-plug straight-six engine delivered impressive performance, producing around 140 horsepower at 3,100 rpm. Saloon versions could reach about 90 mph, while lighter touring and Rapide models achieved 100 mph under favorable conditions.
The combination of substantial power and refined engineering made the M45 a favorite among discerning drivers who demanded both speed and sophistication.
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