The 1935 Lagonda Rapier Sports Special represents a highly sought-after chapter in Lagonda’s history, born from a period when the company was striving for competitive success in the small car segment. Although the standard Rapier was a compact model, the Sports Special designation refers to highly tuned or specially bodied versions built for speed and agility.
The Rapier was powered by a sophisticated, small-capacity 1,104 cc four-cylinder engine featuring a twin overhead camshaft (DOHC) design—an advanced engineering feature for its time—enabling it to produce impressive horsepower for its size, often exceeding 50 hp. These lightweight specials were known for their excellent handling and frequent use in pre-war racing and trials events.
Production under Lagonda lasted only until 1935 when the company entered receivership, with around 470 examples built in total. Today, the 1935 Rapier Sports Special is cherished by collectors for its elegant, compact proportions, advanced mechanics, and its place as one of the last true sporting Lagondas built before the company’s major reorganization.
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