Vehicle Description

1951 Aston Martin Lagonda Call

1951 Aston Martin Lagonda 2.6-Litre Drophead Coup Project Family-Owned for Over 54 Years Tickford Coachwork One of Approximately 510 Produced Offered here is an exceptionally rare and historically significant 1951 Aston Martin Lagonda 2.6-Litre Drophead Coup, a non-running restoration project that presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive postwar British luxury sporting automobiles ever produced. Finished today as a restoration-in-progress, this Lagonda has remained in the same Michigan family for more than 54 years and is accompanied by an extensive collection of documentation, restoration records, historical correspondence, photographs, and labeled boxes of removed components. The car is currently offered from Troy, Michigan, where inspections are welcomed and encouraged. Highlights 1951 Aston Martin Lagonda 2.6-Litre Drophead Coup Coachbuilt by Tickford Chassis Number: LAG/50/258 VIN: LB6A50323 W. O. Bentley-designed 2.6-liter DOHC inline-six engine One family ownership since approximately 1970 Comprehensive restoration completed circa 1974 Displayed at Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum's "Sports Cars in Review" in 1975 Extensive documentation and ownership history included Non-running project Aluminum body stripped to bare metal during second restoration Includes labeled boxes of removed parts Rare postwar British luxury sporting automobile Approximately 510 total Lagonda 2.6-Litre examples produced between 1948 and 1953 The Model The Lagonda 2.6-Litre was introduced following David Brown's acquisition of Lagonda in 1947 and represented the first all-new model produced under his ownership. At its heart was the remarkable W. O. Bentley-designed dual overhead camshaft inline-six engine, a sophisticated powerplant that would later influence Aston Martin's rise to prominence during the 1950s. The Drophead Coup variant was bodied by Tickford and combined elegant coachwork with advanced engineering. The model featured all-independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and inboard rear drum brakes-technology considered exceptionally advanced for a British luxury automobile of the era. Production remained limited, with only approximately 510 examples completed before production ended in 1953, making surviving examples highly sought-after among collectors of significant British motorcars. Ownership History The history accompanying this Lagonda is unusually well documented. According to records retained by the family, the car was originally acquired by C. Gallagher and imported from England to Detroit in 1966. Around 1970, the current family's patriarch learned the car was available and purchased it, beginning a stewardship that would span more than five decades. A comprehensive restoration was completed around 1974. The work reportedly included paint, mechanical refurbishment, interior restoration, convertible top replacement, tires, and numerous additional cosmetic and mechanical improvements. Following completion, the Lagonda was actively enjoyed and exhibited throughout Michigan. One highlight of its history was participation in the 23rd Annual "Sports Cars in Review" exhibition held at Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum in 1975. The car would subsequently appear at numerous regional automotive events and exhibitions. The Second Restoration Approximately twenty years after the restoration was completed, stress cracking began to appear in the paint finish. After consultation with knowledgeable enthusiasts and restorers, it was determined that an incorrect primer had likely been used during the refinishing process of the aluminum body. In the late 2000s, inspired in part by an invitation from the organizers of the Concours d'Elegance at Meadow Brook Hall to display the vehicle, the owner elected to begin a second restoration. The paint was stripped from the aluminum body and portions of the vehicle were disassembled in preparation for refinishing and reassembly. Unfortunately, declining health prevented completion of the project. The car has remained carefully stored in its current state since approximately 2008. Following the owner's passing, the family has made the difficult decision to part with a vehicle that occupied a special place in both their garage and family history. Current Condition The Lagonda is offered as a non-running project vehicle requiring restoration and reassembly. The aluminum body has been stripped of paint, exposing the coachwork for inspection. Numerous components removed during the restoration process accompany the sale and have been organized in labeled boxes. The vehicle is being sold together with its substantial documentation archive, providing valuable guidance for the next caretaker. While restoration will require commitment, the foundation offered here is exceptional: a rare and desirable Tickford-bodied Lagonda with known long-term ownership, documented history, and a restoration story spanning more than half a century. A Rare Opportunity Projects of this caliber seldom emerge from long-term family ownership. For the collector seeking an uncommon British coachbuilt automobile, this 1951 Lagonda represents an opportunity to return a historically important motorcar to the road while preserving the legacy of a devoted enthusiast who cherished it for more than five decades. Whether destined for concours restoration, touring events, or inclusion in a distinguished collection of postwar British automobiles, this Lagonda offers rarity, provenance, and an irreplaceable story. The vehicle is available for inspection in Troy, Michigan. Extensive documentation, historical records, photographs, and labeled parts inventory will accompany the sale. VIN: LB6A50323 $-Open to offers Please visit www.classicauto-showplace.com for more pictures and info.