The boss’ wheels
This handsome 1934 Lagonda 16/80 T2 Tourer, previously the property of former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, is looking for a new home.
The car is currently in The Netherlands and bidding is open now, with the auction closing on 10 August 2025.
It is attracting interest from across Europe and Catawiki, the website hosting this sale, estimates it will achieve between €160-190,000 (c£138-164,000/US$184-219,000).
A record breaker?
If this classic car sells for that kind of figure, it will set a new record for this model at auction.
According to auction-data aggregator Glenmarch, the benchmark for Lagonda 16/80s was set in September 2022 by a 1933 T5 Tourer which sold for £63,250 with Bonhams|Cars.
This same car was offered a few months earlier, again with Bonhams|Cars, with a £60-80,000 estimate and it sold, but the price it reached is not available publicly.
On top of the world
Of course, this car’s provenance is part of the appeal for some bidders.
Bernie Ecclestone was briefly a racing driver, before he ran the Brabham F1 team from 1971-1988, during which time he promoted Gordon Murray to the chief design role and the squad’s driver Nelson Piquet claimed two drivers’ titles, in 1981 and 1983.
He also established and became chief executive of the Formula One Constructors’ Association, controlling the sport’s commercial rights until 2017.
Paper trail
Ecclestone bought this Lagonda in March 1996 and owned it until 2008, at which point its current custodian’s tenure began and the car was taken to The Netherlands.
Documentation accompanying this car proves Ecclestone’s ownership, plus it will also be sold with its British numberplates.
Back to the start
British marque Lagonda introduced its 16/80 in 1932 and it was only sold until 1934, by which time, according to the Lagonda Club, 261 had been built.
In the January 1933 edition of Motor Sport, the model was described as ‘A de-luxe car with excellent performance’.
The joy of six
According to this Lagonda’s listing, it is in ‘wonderful and top technical condition’.
A few years ago, its six-cylinder engine was professionally rebuilt at considerable expense, and information and photos documenting this work are with the car.
It has since been enjoyed on several long drives.
A change of clothes
This classic car’s first keeper was in the UK, at which point it was wearing a Silent Running Pillarless Saloon body.
Today it has a three-door, T2 Tourer body, which was fitted by marque specialist Kevin Roskruge in 1991.
Blue all through
The rear seats look very inviting and if it looks a touch exposed, when the convertible roof is raised, side windows can be added.
But what an elegant way to go motoring with friends on a sunny day.
The choice is made
From 1933, an ENV preselector gearbox became an option on the Lagonda 16/80, which this car received.
The vendor reports that it is in excellent mechanical condition and that the gearbox, which might take a little time to get used to, works just as it should, and it performed well on the aforementioned road trips.
Perfect profile
The seller claims that this car is happy at 120kph (75mph), which might take other road users by surprise, but would certainly be useful if its next owner wants to enjoy it.
Although at more than 4m (13ft) long, parking it could be a little challenging.
Attention to detail
Six dials are spread across the smart, wooden dashboard and the vendor reports that all of them work just as they should.
The Lagonda’s lighting is said to be fully functioning, too.
Shining bright
Likewise, all the evocative, chrome details are reported to be in a first-rate condition.
It might be some time since this Lagonda’s restoration, but its body still appears to be in fine order, its dark-blue paint retaining a deep shine.
Further proof
This Lagonda 16/18 has also been issued with a FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) Identity Card, although it expired in June 2021.
Of better news is that in this car’s most recent valuation report, from 2023, it was described as being in very good and almost concours condition.
The time has come
Clearly, this example’s provenance is only part of its appeal, it is also a rare classic car that has been well looked after and enjoyed.
It is said to provide a good, quiet ride and appears ready to stretch its legs once more.
Tick tock
Will this Lagonda 16/80 achieve a higher price than any other such car at auction?
Bidding on this restored example closes on Catawiki on 10 August 2025 and anyone interested in the car can request to see its paperwork, or arrange to view it in person.
Click here to find out more.
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