Lagonda 2.6-litre
The Lagonda 2.6-litre was an altogether bulkier
affair than many of the supercars of the day, going after a market which valued
comfort over cornering ability but still enjoyed the luxuries that speed could
offer. The 2.6-litre’s underpinnings came from a pre-war concept, resurrected
by new owner David Brown who’s other recent acquisitions included Aston Martin.
The 125 bhp straight-6 helped the Lagonda power its
trademark rear-luggage-overhang from 0-60 mph in 17.6 seconds, endowing it with
an impressive turn of speed for its size. At around £ 3,500 it was one of the
most expensive cars of its time but that didn’t stop Lagonda from selling over
500 between 1948 and 1953.
The Lagonda marque falls in and out of favour with
its owners Aston Martin, most recently enjoying a brief revival at the 2009
Geneva Motor Show where it appeared on the bonnet of an SUV concept that never
made mass-production. The company values of comfortable speed still rang true
in this concept, though the design shared few features with the Lagondas built
60 years previously, save perhaps for the accentuated luggage compartment.
