Chassis No. 14107
Engine No. 14107

According to research it is believed this Lagonda, chassis number 14107, was delivered to James Young Limited coachbuilders on 25 October 1938 as a short, 124-inch wheelbase Rapide specification chassis with the build records noting "no bonnet, no headlamps, "lo" radiator shell, and no front wing assemblies." As noted by the Lagonda Club, from 1938 through 1940, only 190 V12 cars were produced, yet a mere 17 were the sporting Rapide models. This example has the added distinction of being equipped with the even rarer Sanction IV engine that was developed to race at Le Mans. At the hands of James Young, the car received a truly elegant and exquisitely constructed Drophead Coupe coachwork.

Major Godfrey Anthony Gillson of Cornwell Manor, the car's original owner, has been described as a real-life James Bond with his role in the British Special Forces. Upon his passing in 1944, the car was purchased by Jim Davies, the former factory manager at Lagonda. He retained the car until 1957, when it was acquired by Jim Whitehead of Australia, leaving England for the first time. Reported to have owned a total of seven V12 Lagondas in his life, this car remained in Whitehead's collection for an impressive 58 years until it was sold in 2015, leaving Australia for New Zealand.

Upon arriving in New Zealand, the car received a complete and comprehensive Pebble Beach-level restoration. The bodywork was refinished in elegant dark green, contrasting the tan Connolly leather interior. The rich walnut interior trim was refinished to an exacting standard to match the bright chrome trim found on the bumpers, radiator grille, wheel covers, belt line, and stone guards. After two years of work by Auto Restorations of Christchurch, New Zealand, the restoration was completed at a cost reported to exceed $500,000. The car was then entered into the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, earning a coveted First in Class award.

Following its success at Pebble Beach, the car was acquired by the current owner making a triumphant return to the United Kingdom for the first time since 1957. In a fitting tribute to its original owner, the car made a tearful return to its original home at the Cornwell Manor where the Major's magnificent, former home serves as the stunning backdrop for the car's catalog photos. Today, the V12 Rapide remains in Pebble Beach condition and would surely be entered in almost any of the highest caliber international events as a representative of Lagonda's finest creations with its Rapide specification, upgraded Sanction IV engine upgrades, and exquisitely constructed James Young Drophead Coupe coachwork.

Title/Registration: UK V5C, VAT Status: Temporary Import, This lot is in Italy on a temporary import bond, which must be discharged by the Buyer either by directly re-exporting the Lot or by paying the relevant customs duty, import VAT and other applicable fees to permanently import the Lot into Italy or another European Union country as permitted. Any Lot subject to temporary import restrictions cannot be released from Broad Arrow's custody without the completion of these procedures. Customs charges will be assessed based on the Lot's value and according to the circumstances of each sale and may be payable by the Buyer either to Broad Arrow and/or directly to the relevant tax authority.