BEHAVES LIKE THE THOROUGHBLOOD HE LOOKS

The Lagonda Rapier was a small car manufactured by the independent Lagonda Rapier Cars Ltd in London. Only 46 examples with the Ranalah body were made before the outbreak of war.

Registration: UK registered
Chassis number: 11478
Engine number: 3226
Original registration number: JG7812
1 of 46 produced

A rare 1,500cc, 4 cylinder engine, 85 HP, 4 speed selector

The motor

For the heart of the car, HCS has freshly overhauled this very rare 1500 cc four-cylinder engine with double overhead camshaft. The original design of this engine was created by a consultant Thomas Ashcroft.

Originally the engine was supposed to be cast from a light alloy, but to save costs it was eventually made from cast iron based on the original models, making it quite heavy but extremely strong. The engine usually comes in an 1100cc version which had around 50 bph. In the 1500 cc version, like this one, it produces around 85 hp, a very good performance for the time. Production of the engine was outsourced to Coventry Climax.

The chassis

The chassis was designed by Charles King and consisted of steel sections bolted together. The engine was mated to a four-speed preselector gearbox, and the Girling system rod-operated brakes had large 13-inch (330 mm) drums.

Suspension was via semi-elliptical springs controlled by friction dampers.

The Ranalah body

Two former Chalmer & Hoyer employees named John Dalrymple and Charles Livesay founded a new company called John Charles & Co. after Chalmer & Hoyer collapsed.

They quickly built up an impressive customer base and produced a variety of sedans and open bodies on a variety of chassis.

They also began using the Ranalah name as a brand name on some of their bodywork. Unfortunately, rapid growth appears to have taken a toll on finances and by early 1935 the company failed.

In 1935 a new company was formed in Morden Road, Merton, taking over the assets of John Charles and trading under the name Ranalah Coachworks Ltd. took over the brand name of the old company.

In 1937 the firm converted to sheet metal work for the aircraft industry and was given an additional address on the High Street in Tooting, London, and with the outbreak of war work on cars ceased.

The car we offer for sale is a driver's car that is great fun and easy to handle.

We are very proud to offer this exceptional car for sale at Historic Competition Services.

If you have any questions, please contact us.