Discover the Fascinating History of the 1954 Lagonda DP115/2

The Vision Behind the Lagonda DP115

In 1954, David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin and Lagonda, commissioned an all-new engine for a new Lagonda ‘super saloon’. This engine would not only power the road car but also be race-proven in competition. To achieve this, a Lagonda racing car, coded DP115, was developed. The goal was ambitious: to compete on level terms with the powerful machinery from Ferrari and Jaguar.

The Development of the 4.5-Litre V12

At the heart of the DP115 was a 4.5-litre V12 engine, built around a new aluminium casting. The engine boasted double overhead camshafts and was fed by three Weber carburettors. While a power output of over 350bhp was expected, this figure was never fully realised. Furthermore, the project suffered from persistent oil-pressure problems, which hindered its performance in both 1954 and 1955. Despite these challenges, a revised version, DP166/1, made a brief appearance at Le Mans in 1955.

Racing Debut and Early Setbacks

The first chassis, DP115/1, made its debut at Silverstone in May 1954, where it finished in fifth place. The car’s bodywork was later altered for the 1954 Le Mans 24 Hours, with the distinctive three-grille nose replaced by a simpler, one-piece design. However, the car’s Le Mans campaign was cut short when it spun into a bank in wet conditions, forcing it to retire. Evidently, the damaged chassis was scrapped soon after.

DP115/2: A New Hope

A new car, DP115/2, was introduced for the British Grand Prix support race in July 1954. With Reg Parnell behind the wheel, the car finished fourth overall. This car, DP115/2, is the one I saw on display and photoed at Concours of Elegance 2024, at Hampton Court Palace.

A Brief Mille Miglia Dream

It is believed that both DP115/2 and DP115/3 were intended to compete in the 1955 Mille Miglia. At some point, both cars received new nose treatments to suit this race. However, the entries were later withdrawn, and both models were sold to the Rank Organisation. Consequently, these Lagonda V12s soon found themselves on the silver screen, featuring in the 1956 thriller Checkpoint, which included scenes filmed during the actual 1955 Mille Miglia.

From Film Stars to Private Collections

After their cinematic roles, the two Lagonda V12s were sold to HWM, the main Aston Martin agent. Subsequently, they passed through the hands of private owners, including John ‘Jumbo’ Goddard, Joe Goodhew, and Noel Cunningham-Reid. By the early 1960s, both cars were owned by Maurice Leo, who held onto them for over 50 years. In 2014, Kidston SA brokered their sale to a significant private collection, and in 2020, the current owner acquired them.

A Decade-Long Restoration

The decision was made to sympathetically restore DP115/2 to its original configuration as raced at Silverstone on July 17, 1954. This restoration included rebuilding its Lagonda V12 engine with its unique three-carburettor, four-cam, twin-plug setup. The nose was reshaped to its original design, and the car retained its ultra-rare David Brown five-speed gearbox. Altogether, this painstaking restoration took nearly ten years to complete.

A Historic Reunion at Hampton Court

For the first time since 1954, DP115/2 and DP115/3, the only surviving original Lagonda V12 sports-racers, were displayed together in their original specifications at the Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance. These cars, which had remained largely unseen for six decades, finally made their grand public debut in Great Britain.

Technical Specifications

Engine – 4486cc V12, naturally aspirated, DOHC

Transmission – Five-speed manual, RWD

Power – 360bhp

Torque – N/A

Top Speed – 150mph

0-60mph – 5.0 seconds

Weight – 1100kg

What a beauty. This car really caught my attention and made it into my top 10 cars at the 2024 Concours of Elegance. Check out that top 10 here.

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