In case you see it around- this is a Lagonda LG45 Rapide rep. Made by Lagonda in Staines in the 1930’s, this rakish bit of design by Frank Feeley was the flagship of Lagonda and they made 25. The 4 ½ Litre meadows engine made it very desirable and if this was one of the 25 originals it would be worth a vast amount of money!
Fortunately for me in the 1990’s enthusiasts started taking the LG 45 Saloon cars that were tired and had exactly the same running gear and instruments as the Rapide and putting on a replica body. It is very hard to do, as every bit of these cars is non standard and very specifically shaped. Getting it right is both an engineering challenge and nightmares!
To date about 20 replica cars have been made- they are of varying standard and this is one of the better ones. Everything is original except the body and because of this although it is identical it is much more affordable! The cost of putting one together today would be prohibitive – even if you could find an old LG 45 saloon to start with- hence very few new reps are being made- so saying there is one being constructed in Dawlish!
Having worked in Exeter and Exmouth for 50 years, to own a little one-bedroom hideaway at the Quay is wonderful and not dissimilar from what many Exeter families use to do who had the original huts on Shelley Beach. The Tuckers, McGahey’s, Dowells. Hughes, Darts and many more! They recognised the unique benefits of the slightly more hidden parts of the estuary and so do we!
So, if you see this old girl around and are interested, do come and have a look. Biggest problem is finding a space that will allow us to park and get in and out- it has a 50-foot turning circle so she may be a rare visitor.
Adrian and Ann Rogers Madison Wharf.
