my ever developing project to share with you.....

[Mr. Magoo]

I am largely bank rolling this as a new family and lack of know how restricts me from tinkering but it wasmy fathers car for 50 years beforehe died last year....I am hoping to resurrect some of the fun he had out of it. Hopefully we are nearing the end and there is just some cosmetic and elctrical work to do.....

[Podie]

More pics and details please!!!

[Mr. Magoo]

Its a Lagonda which has not had the most TLC in its life. It was rescued in 1959 from carting hy around a field for a farmer in Kent I believe. My father bought it for £50 after a weeks haggling and the farm hands pumped up the tires and filled the tank for my father to drive home at night without lights.
My father then sed it in a 'spirited' fashion including track days and much mechanical development. It then went into hibernation from the early 70's onlymanaging a couple of weddings about 10 years. After having had one barn fall on it and several generations of field mouse and rampant wood worm it was in a really sorry state by the time my father died.
However when we came to move it it started on the button and I decided to tip some resources into giving it some TLC and a new lease of life. It will never be a show pony bt as a sound mechanica runner it should be fun.....

[goodwoodweirdo]

Great story, look after it..... more pictures please...

Please also check your spelling, as its hell reading the posts...

[bob1179]

Please post up more pictures.

I really know nothing about cars of this era, but that really looks like it could be lots of fun.

What sort of engine does it have? Are the 'controls' all as you would expect in a modern car are the pedals in a funny order?

[Mr. Magoo]

sorry on the spelling - the internet blogging doesn't pick up on all the keyboard taps i make (my excuse)and If i don't read it through because I am rushed then quite often I notice incomplete words...

nyway (hee hee), the car is full of oddities compared to today but overall fairly basic pre-war engineering platform (2 carbs, in line 6 pot, 3 litre, water cooled, 12 V, 4 speed rear wheel drive)

Oddities include:
L-R Cutch, Throttle,Brake pedal set up
Advance/retard
Magneto
Box was changed from stick being on the right of the driver next to hand brake to a synchro Alvis box in the middle.
Wipers are vacuum pump operated from engine generated head vacuum.
Engine has a blown water jacket - this is common on these lagonda engines where they were left full of water over an icy night.
Cast Iron block /Aluminium head
Water temp is monitored via a thermostat that sits proud at the end of the bonnet.
gauges include RPM (max 5500), odometer, oil pressure, voltage, clock.
Max speed new would have been 90 MPH
There are 2 main beam P100 Lucas lamps, 2 side lights on the skuttle and a mid mounted spotlight, my father used to say that you could light a fag off from 10 paces when she was all lit up....together with 2 horns that make quite a distinct pre war noise that'll wake the dead.

The rest is learning curve for me too i'm afraid....

[Mr. Magoo]

and this is the only other pic I have....

[VetteG]

Good man, a nice car that will give you and your family lots of fun over the years.

G

[varsas]

Cool, always wondered what it's like to drive one of these things. I bet it takes quite a bit of skill, but must be very satisfying.

[Mr. Magoo]

i've only done about 5 miles and mostly under 30 mph - it was much like herding a stray cat with a wobbly shopping trolley - hopefully its a lot tighter now we have done the steering, brakes and bearings....

[The real Apache]

Mr. Magoo said:

it was much like herding a stray cat with a wobbly shopping trolley

Brilliant, must remember that one

[austin]

May I suggest membership of the VSCC? Exactly there sort of car and the forums are a mine of information and help.

[RDMcG]

Fantastic!..this is the sort of thing that makes PH worthwhile...keep us informed. Great car and project!

[Mr. Magoo]

i'm an LCC member which an amusing window into the world of yesteryear where hard cash plays a less important role than good will and helpful advice....I think i may have lowered the average age somewhat....VSCC looks good but until semi retirement which could be another 20 years I am a little restricted in my reciprical involvement. It is my view there little point being a member of clubs unless you actively participate....