In 1925 Lagonda introduced a six
cylinder car called the 16/65 which was 2692cc (69 x 120mm) and with push
rod operated overhead valves. Although designed by Davidson and Masters
who were responsible for the 2 litre and produced, legend says, at the
direct insistence of Brigadier General Metcalfe who was the Director, it
didn't prove very popular; in 1928 it was bored out to 2931 cc to become
the three Litre. Although never as popular as the two litre, it had a long
model run, finishing in 1934 and being succeeded by the 31/2
litre which used yet another variant of the same engine in a different
chassis. Outwardly, the 2 litre and 3 litres of the Vintage period look
remarkably alike but the latter has a longer bonnet and a distinctive sump
shape which enables them to be distinguished
One variant of the 3 litre sometimes
encountered is the "Selector Special" of 1932 which has a Maybach gearbox
with eight forward ratios. Not many were made. Both 16/65 and 3 litres
used a 10'9" wheelbase but there are two kinds of chassis. The earlier Z
chassis bears a distinct family resemblance to the 2 litre and a few early
high chassis cars exist. Later and coinciding with the introduction of the
Selector Special a heavier chassis with straighter (in plan) side members,
tubular cross members and different axles was adopted and it was this ZMB
chassis which was developed into the 41/2 litre M45.
The 3 litre was also bored out during its life but the engine size change
does not coincide with the chassis change. The earlier cars are 72 x 120
mm (2931 cc) and later ones 75 x 120 mm (3181 cc). Both versions have
seven-bearing crankshafts. On the 1932 cars a new radiator badge featuring
stylized wings was introduced and this became a feature of all subsequent
Lagondas.
Lagonda have always been a sporting
concern and a programme of long-distance events were entered with 2 litres
and later 3 litres. In 1928 D'Erlanger & Hawkes came 11th at Le Mans after
running with a cracked frame and no front brakes for the bulk of the event
and, in 1929, another team was entered but with no success.
