Lagonda V12 History

First shown at the 1936 London Motor Show and entering production in late 1937, the Lagonda V12 was built around an all-new 4,480 cc, 60-degree twin-cam V12 designed by W. O. Bentley and engineer Stuart Tresilian (also recruited from Rolls-Royce). Producing 180 bhp, it could travel from 7 to 105 mph in top gear — simultaneously a luxury and a sporting achievement. It was shown at the 1939 New York Motor Show priced at $8,900.

Two specially prepared four-carburettor V12s were entered for the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished third and fourth overall, a remarkable result for what was fundamentally a luxury grand tourer.

Just 189 V12s were completed before the Second World War ended production in 1940 — outselling the contemporary LG6 six-cylinder (85 cars), a fact that speaks to the V12's appeal despite its cost. The engine's twin-cam architecture informed the straight-six Bentley designed simultaneously, which would power the post-war Lagonda 2.6-Litre and then Aston Martin's DB2 to Le Mans success.