Lagonda 16/80
The Lagonda 16/80 was a sports touring car introduced by Lagonda in 1932, replacing the company’s 4-cylinder 2-litre model.
Lagonda 16/80 | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Lagonda |
Production | 1932–1934 |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 2 door sports, 4-door tourer, 4 door saloon |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1991 cc ohv 6 cylinder[1] |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 120 in (3,048 mm)[2] |
Length | 170 in (4,318 mm)[2] |
Width | 66 in (1,676 mm)[2] |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Lagonda 2-litre |
The first part of its name referred to its Fiscal horsepower rating of 16 (actually 15.7).[1] Under naming conventions common at the time, the second number in its name might have referred to the car’s bhp. However, actual power output fell a long way short of 80 bhp, leading one well informed owner to suggest that it may have referred to the car’s claimed top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h).[1]
The car was unusual in being the only Lagonda to be offered with a Crossley engine.[3] However, each engine purchased was stripped down by Lagonda, checked and rebuilt according to their own specifications before becoming the heart of a 16/80.[1] Also, unlike its usual configuration when used in Crossley's own vehicles, it was fitted with twin HV3 type SU carburettors.
In 1933 the option of a E.N.V preselector gear-box became available.[3] When new the car was guaranteed for nine years.[1] However, a condition of the guarantee was that it be returned to the manufacturers every three years for a thorough overhaul and update, which would have been provided only at considerable cost.[1]
The car was dropped by Lagonda, shortly before the firm's dramatic rescue from financial collapse by Alan Good, at the end of in 1934.[3]
According to the Lagonda Club, 261 were made.
Film & TV appearances
- A Lagonda 16/80 featured extensively in the BBC series Campion starring Peter Davison.
References
- "My kind of car: Lagonda 16/80 1932". Drive (Magazine of the British Automobile Association). Vol. 115. February 1985. p. 66.
- Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- Georgano, G N (1968). The Complete Encyclopaedia of Motor Cars. Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, UK: George Rainbird Limited.