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- Sick_Cylinder
Gearbox and Tractor Magnate David Brown owned both Aston Martin and Lagonda. Aston Martin was an effective competitor in the 3 litre class, but David Brown wanted to go for overall victories against the larger engined Lancia, Ferrari and Jaguar cars. Willie Watson designed a new all alloy 4.5 litre, quad cam, 60 degree V12, twin ignition motor fed by three quad choke weber carbs and Frank Feeley designed a body similar to the current Aston Martin DB3S. It was intended that the motor later be used in a new range of luxury Lagonda saloons - David Brown felt that there was a gap in the market for a sporting luxury car now that Bentley had combined with Rolls Royce and lost their sporting appeal.
The car competed at the 1954 Le Mans in the hands of Eric Thompson and Dennis Poore, but spun off the track in the wet after a couple of hours. The handling of the car was disappointing and the motor underpowered - 310bhp compared with the Ferraris 350bhp+ although Watson said it had the potential for 350bhp. The motor was not used in a Lagonda Saloon - David Brown didn't introduce the Lagonda Rapide until 1961 and that was fitted with a 4 litre 6 cylinder engine.
For 1955 a new racing car code named DP166 was fitted with the Lagonda V12 engine, but this was also unsuccessful, however its chassis went on to great success when used as the backbone of the DBR2.
Above Eric Thompson at the wheel, Le Mans 1954.
I would like this car in the game to compete with other great 1950's Le Mans Sports Cars (currently sadly missing) such as the D Type Jaguar, Lancia D24, Ferrari 375 Plus, Mercedes 300 SLR and Maserati 450S. Two DP115 V12's were built, one of which still exists and is used at historic events such as Goodwood.
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