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Curated Auction

1953 Lagonda DB 3-Litre Drophead Coupe

At a Glance

Family Owned Since 1960s | Three-Generation Family History | Highly Original | Keen Reserve | Finance Available

  • Mileage~100,729 (730 on Clock)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.0-Litre
  • LocationMilton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated auction
Ends in
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Current bid
£1,000 See bidding
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Adam Purrier
Professional Consigner

A wonderfully original example of the rare Lagonda 3-Litre Drophead Coupé, distinguished by an exceptional family history - 36 years in Theo’s ownership and the unmistakable character of a hand-built British luxury car from the early David Brown era.

The 3-Litre Lagonda was introduced in 1953 as a more powerful development of the earlier 2.6-Litre model. Its 2,922cc straight-six was equipped with twin SU carburettors and produced a factory-quoted 140BHP. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox.

Its engineering was unusually advanced for the period, incorporating a cruciform chassis, independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and substantial hydraulic drum brakes. The aluminium coachwork was formed over a traditional timber frame, while the handsome Drophead Coupé body was produced by Tickford.

Only 55 examples of the 3-Litre Drophead Coupé are understood to have been built, making this a particularly uncommon survivor.

Finished in deep blue with light grey leather upholstery, body-coloured steel wheels and an extensive walnut dashboard, this example retains a remarkable amount of period character. Its condition is honest rather than restored, with aged paint, interior patination and a hood that now requires attention.

This listing was written from information supplied by Adam after meeting Theo the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

The Lagonda has been in the family for generations - Theo took ownership 36 years ago, continuing its legacy of originality and family significance from his fatherg.

Theo has enjoyed an exceptionally long period of ownership, preserving the Lagonda rather than carrying out a comprehensive restoration or introducing modern alterations.

His wife, Penny, explains that the car has been maintained over the years and remains very original. Its presentation reflects decades of careful use and storage, with the marks, wear and patination associated with a car that has been enjoyed rather than repeatedly rebuilt.

Theo is now 86 and, following a decline in his health, the family has made the difficult decision to find the Lagonda a new custodian.

It is hoped that its next owner will appreciate the importance of its originality and unusual family provenance, whether they choose to preserve it in its present form or undertake a sympathetic programme of cosmetic improvement.

Theo's daughter, Josie is helping with the sale and she would be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Theo
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The deep blue finish suits the Lagonda’s imposing proportions and flowing Tickford coachwork particularly well.

Wheels and Tyres

The Lagonda is fitted with body-coloured pressed-steel wheels and substantial chrome hubcaps.

This simple arrangement suits the car’s dignified appearance and appears consistent with its period specification. The painted wheel surfaces display some ordinary signs of age, while the hubcaps remain complete but would benefit from further polishing.

Period-style Avon Turbosteel radial tyres are fitted. Visible tread remains; however, the tyres are understood to be of some age

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The Lagonda’s coachwork appears remarkably complete and retains the elegant proportions of the original Tickford design.

The main panels appear broadly well aligned, and the doors, bonnet and boot remain operational. The long bonnet, sweeping wings and rounded rear quarters retain their distinctive original form.

There are a number of small dents and imperfections around the body. The family has explained that one of the more noticeable dents resulted from an old incident while the car was in a garage. Further minor marks and areas of deformation can be seen around the wings and lower body sections.

Some previous cosmetic work appears to have been carried out during the car’s long life, although the overall impression remains that of a substantially original and largely unrestored example.

The hood is the principal area requiring attention. Its fabric is now in poor condition, with substantial deterioration and a possible small hole noted during the review. Replacement or comprehensive restoration should be anticipated if the car is to be used regularly in changeable weather.

When lowered beneath its cover, the hood leaves the Lagonda with an especially elegant open profile.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The deep blue paintwork retains an appealing gloss across many of the main panels and suits the Lagonda’s formal yet sporting design.

It reflects attractively in the photographs and shows the flowing form of the wings, bonnet and doors particularly well. From a reasonable distance, the car remains impressive and full of presence.

On closer inspection, the finish displays numerous age-related imperfections. These include stone chips, scratches, small dents, localised blemishes and areas that would benefit from careful polishing and correction.

Some paint loss and chipping can be seen around panel edges, lower sections and other vulnerable areas. There are also variations in finish consistent with previous localised repairs or paintwork completed during the car’s long life.

This is not presented as a freshly restored or concours example. Its appeal lies instead in its completeness, patination and exceptional originality.

The existing finish could be preserved and improved with careful detailing, or it could provide the basis for a more comprehensive cosmetic restoration, depending upon the next owner’s preference.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The windscreen, side screens and remaining glass appear complete. No obvious substantial cracks are immediately apparent in the supplied photographs, although some light age-related marking should be expected.

The exterior brightwork is extensive and includes the prominent Lagonda grille, headlamp surrounds, bumpers, overriders, bonnet fittings, mirrors, sill trim, hubcaps and door furniture.

Much of this brightwork remains present and usable, contributing greatly to the car’s appearance. Some pieces show tarnishing, dullness, light pitting and ordinary age-related wear and would benefit from careful polishing or localised refurbishment.

The Lagonda bonnet badge, grille badge and various period motoring-club badges remain fitted. The large headlamps, auxiliary lamps, sidelights and rear light fittings all contribute to the car’s wonderfully period appearance.

The exterior mirrors, bonnet mascot, fuel filler, handles and other detail fittings appear substantially complete.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The cabin is one of the Lagonda’s most characterful features, combining light grey leather upholstery, dark carpeting, an expansive walnut dashboard and an impressive collection of period Smiths instruments.

Seats and Carpets

The front and rear seats are upholstered in light grey leather.

The leather has developed substantial natural creasing, colour variation and surface wear. There is visible discolouration around the seat bases, backrests and outer edges, together with some localised marks consistent with long-term use.

Despite this patination, the seats appear substantially complete and retain their traditional shape. The broad front seats and full-width rear bench reinforce the Lagonda’s original role as a luxurious four-seat touring car rather than a minimalist sports car.

Matching light grey material continues across the door cards and interior panels. These areas display similar age-related marking, tarnishing around some fittings and a number of visible imperfections.

Dark carpeting is fitted throughout the footwells and lower cabin. It appears usable but shows the wear, fading and accumulated patination expected of an interior of this age.

The cabin could be sympathetically cleaned and preserved in its present form, or progressively restored while retaining as much original material as possible.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The full-width walnut dashboard is a particularly attractive feature.

Its rich figuring and warm colour contrast beautifully with the light upholstery and painted bodywork. The timber appears substantially complete, including the main dashboard fascia, glovebox lid and matching door cappings.

The finish displays cracks, marks and areas of deterioration consistent with age. Some localised lifting or cracking can be seen around the radio aperture, instruments and dashboard fittings, but the timber retains considerable visual appeal.

A large Smiths speedometer sits ahead of the driver alongside a combined instrument displaying fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature and electrical information. A separate Smiths rev counter is positioned to the right.

A period radio remains installed in the centre of the dashboard, together with ventilation controls, switches and pull knobs. This equipment reinforces the highly original atmosphere of the cabin.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A large, thin-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is fitted.

Its simple black rim and polished metal spokes are entirely appropriate for a sporting luxury car of this period. The wheel displays visible age and wear but remains an important part of the cabin’s original appearance.

The four-speed manual gearbox is controlled through a floor-mounted gear lever. Its compact lever and simple knob sit low within the centre of the front footwell.

Both the steering wheel and gear lever show age-related wear consistent with the rest of the interior.

The driving position places the large Smiths instruments directly ahead of the driver, with the long bonnet and wing-mounted mirrors visible beyond the windscreen.

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VIEW ALL
'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The W. O. Bentley-designed 3-litre twin-cam straight-six, four-speed manual gearbox and advanced independent suspension make the 3-Litre Lagonda a particularly interesting piece of post-war British engineering.

Engine and Gearbox

The Lagonda is powered by a 2,922cc twin-overhead-camshaft straight-six equipped with twin SU carburettors.

Factory output was quoted at approximately 140BHP, a useful increase over the earlier 2.6-Litre model and sufficient to give the substantial four-seat Drophead Coupé a top speed of around 100MPH when new.

The engine bay presents as complete and honest, with the substantial straight-six engine, carburettors, intake system and surrounding components all visible in the accompanying footage.

There is a mixture of aged painted surfaces, polished metal components, period fittings and more recent service items. The compartment has not been cosmetically over-restored and retains the appearance of a car that has been kept in use over a long period.

The mechanical-review footage allows the engine to be heard starting, idling and running. No major mechanical fault has been reported by the family.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The gearbox is controlled through the floor-mounted lever visible within the cabin.

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Suspension and Brakes

The 3-Litre Lagonda employed unusually sophisticated suspension for an early-1950s British luxury car.

Independent front suspension uses double wishbones and coil springs, while the independently sprung rear arrangement incorporates swing axles and torsion bars. Rack-and-pinion steering was also notably advanced for a car of this size and period.

Hydraulic drum brakes are fitted to all four wheels, with substantial 12-inch front and 11-inch rear drums.

No specific suspension, steering or braking concerns have been reported by the family - please watch the On-the-Road section in the Mechanics video. The car has, however, seen limited recent use, and routine recommissioning checks would be sensible before it is returned to regular road duties.

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The Drive

The Lagonda was designed as a refined, high-quality grand tourer rather than an outright sports car.

Its straight-six engine, manual gearbox, independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering were intended to provide effortless performance while maintaining the comfort expected from an expensive hand-built four-seat convertible.

During the recent assessment, the Lagonda was reported to improve and settle as it warmed and was driven. The engine appeared increasingly comfortable as the journey continued, suggesting that the car benefits from being exercised rather than left standing.

The long bonnet, upright windscreen and prominent front wings create a wonderfully distinctive view from the driver’s seat. The cabin feels spacious by open sports-car standards, while the broad seats and supple suspension emphasise relaxed touring.

The mechanical video should be watched in full for a closer impression of the starting procedure, engine note, gear selection and the car’s behaviour on the road.

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Electrics and Other

The Lagonda retains a large amount of its period equipment, including:

- Smiths speedometer and odometer
- Smiths rev counter
- Combined fuel, oil-pressure, temperature and ammeter instrument
- Period radio (not operational - needs investigation)
- Dashboard ventilation controls
- Auxiliary driving lamps
- Wing-mounted mirrors
- Windscreen wipers
- Interior switches and pull controls
- Manual folding hood

The principal dashboard instruments and controls were reported to be working during the recent visit.

As with any substantially original 1950s vehicle, individual electrical components should be checked carefully. Wiring, connections, lighting equipment and charging-system operation may require routine maintenance as the car returns to more regular use.

The hood is in poor condition and should be considered a restoration or replacement item rather than relied upon for regular weather protection.

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VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

The Lagonda’s exceptional family history is arguably its most significant feature.

It was previously owned by Theo’s father and subsequently passed to Theo, who has now owned it for approximately 36 years. This gives the car a rare connection across three generations of the same family.

During Theo’s ownership, the Lagonda has been preserved as a highly original car. It has not been comprehensively restored or modernised, and many of its original-looking materials, fittings, instruments and finishes remain present.

Theo is now 86 and a decline in his health means that the Lagonda is no longer being enjoyed as it should. Penny and the family have therefore decided that the time has come for it to pass to a new custodian.

This represents an unusual opportunity to acquire one of the rarest post-war Lagondas: a Tickford-bodied 3-Litre Drophead Coupé with long-term family ownership, highly original presentation and considerable potential for sympathetic preservation or restoration. The car comes with two spare tyres and a winter cover.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
16/01/2012 MOT 209
31/12/2010 MOT 121
18/09/2009 MOT 99,980
14/01/2008 MOT 99,765
07/09/2006 MOT 99,208
19/01/2005 MOT 98,181
04/09/2003 MOT 97,449
21/02/2002 MOT 96,413
10/02/2000 MOT 95,766
24/12/1998 MOT 94,582
24/11/1997 MOT 94,072
15/01/1996 MOT 93,155
29/12/1994 MOT 92,036
23/12/1993 MOT 91,528
13/09/1979 MOT 90,481
29/06/1978 MOT 90,446
27/06/1975 MOT 90,040
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Finance Available Yes - Contact us
  • Model 3-Litre Drophead Coupe
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 17/12/1953
  • CC 2922
  • Mileage ~100,729 (730 on Clock)
  • Colour Blue
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # LAG/50/509
  • Engine # VB6H/25
  • MOT No
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~36 Years - Family Since 1960s
  • Key Feature Originality
  • Vehicle Registration NTP 707
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type DHC
  • Auction ID 4137
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Milton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton

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    1953 Lagonda DB 3-Litre Drophead Coupe
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    Average annual insurance premium for a Lagonda like this is £452 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
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    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Milton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton

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