Although W.O. Bentley is primarily associated with his eponymous automotive brand today, his profound influence extended to other prominent English car manufacturers, most notably Lagonda. Persuaded by Alan P. Good, who had recently acquired rights to the Lagonda brand, W.O. Bentley joined the enterprise, bringing along some of his talented team. The LG45, Lagonda’s first production model benefiting from W.O.’s brilliance, emerged as a direct successor to the M45.
Built around the proven 4.5-litre Meadows inline-six engine renowned for its competition capabilities, the LG45 featured enhancements like synchromesh gears and a central lubrication system. Unveiled in 1936, the model received immediate acclaim from both the public and motoring press.
British publication The Autocar noted that the LG45 not only delivered exceptional performance but also underwent significant refinement, transforming into a more comfortable and quieter car. The publication remarked that, in comparison to its predecessors, the LG45 was hardly recognizable upon the first drive. The LG45 experienced a brief production span, with 278 chassis produced for customization by various coachbuilders of that era.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
