From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter from Lagonda Motors Limited to Jack Barclay Ltd. detailing recent successes at Brooklands and new models at the Motor Show.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0011 | |
| Date | 13th October 1938 | |
| COPY. FK/14 Lagonda Motors Limited Staines, Middlesex 13th October 1938 J.Barclay Esq., Messrs. Jack Barclay Ltd., Hanover Square, W.1. Dear Sir, A fitting climax to a season of outstanding success for the new 12 cylinder and 6 cylinder Lagonda cars is the achievement at Brooklands today, when Earl Howe, driving a production 12 cylinder Lagonda Short Saloon covered 101.5 miles in one hour. This extraordinary average was attained in spite of a three minute stop necessitated by the failure of one tyre, with a consequent 5% loss in the average speed. It is significant that the car's last lap was at a speed exceeding 108 m.p.h. Simultaneously a production 6 cylinder Lagonda Short Saloon covered 95.87 miles in one hour without stopping, and here again the last lap exceeded 98 m.p.h. We would like to emphasise that these completely equipped cars, both of which had covered more than 35,000 miles were run under such conditions with a view to proving that normal closed British cars possessing all the attributes of silence, top gear flexibility, and comfort, are able to withstand consistent fast driving which is so essential if they are to provide the maximum enjoyment when motoring on the new roads in Europe which are becoming increasingly popular. We are also pleased to advise you that whereas there is no outward change in appearance or design, several material improvements have been incorporated during recent months, and will be noticeable on our cars exhibited at the Motor Show; also our already comprehensive range of coachwork styles is augmented by the introduction of a new 'Rapide' coupe on the short wheelbase 12 cylinder and 6 cylinder chassis, and a new 5-seater Saloon on the 11'3½" wheelbase 6 cylinder chassis and 11'12 cylinder chassis providing a combination of extreme beauty of line with greater leg room for the passengers in the rear compartment of the body. It is our sincere hope that you will be able to visit our Stand at Earls Court, when it will give us very great pleasure to show you these new Models and arrange an extended trial upon whichever type of car would be most suitable for your requirements either in London or at your home. Yours faithfully, LAGONDA MOTORS LIMITED (Sgd) Frank King Sales Manager | ||