Lagonda 1952

The Motor YEAR BOOK, 1953   BRITISH CARS OF 1952   LAGONDA MARK II
Although not departing from the lines of the preceding types, the Mark II version of the Lagonda saloon nevertheless represents a very marked advance both in appearance and amenities. The radiator grille has been slightly modified and Lucas lamps of more imposing appearance than heretofore are now incorporated in the semi-recessed lamp shells. The general appearance of the front-end cowling has been cleaned up and simplified and together with the front wings consists of a pressed-steel assembly which can readily be dismounted from the chassis and repaired in case of accident.
The arrangement of components beneath the bonnet has been considerably reorganized so as to improve accessibility. A single 12-volt battery is now situated on the left-hand side of the scuttle and a single louvre on the top of the scuttle now forms the air entry for the centrally-mounted Smith heater unit. The cut-out and fuse box can now readily be examined on the right-hand side of the scuttle.
Behind the dashboard some notable improvements have also been effected. The instrument panel is now placed directly in front of the driver and a wide (if somewhat shallow) open glove box takes up all the left-hand section of the facia. The heating and de-misting controls are mounted in an agreeably styled turret in the centre of the panel, below which are the radio controls if this component is fitted.
On each side of the scuttle there are strip-type courtesy lights which are activated by the doors, there being also an over-riding push-button control so that they may be turned on when the doors are shut. Both front doors, incidentally, are lockable from the outside and an extra refinement is a master switch for the battery placed directly beneath the facia. The individual front seats are provided with a two-way adjustment. The vertical position controlled by a small handle and considerable care has been devoted to obtaining a smooth fore and aft movement even when the seat is loaded.
The squab of each front seat has an opening at the back which provides accommodation for maps, guide books and similar articles; there are, however, no door pockets. The rear door carries a shroud which prevents mud being thrown against the rear wing, and the rear seat is now 4 in. wider than on the previous model.
A notable feature of the Lagonda is the wide and unobstructed luggage locker, the spare wheel being slung in a cage beneath the petrol tank with a quick-release dropout mechanism which makes it instantly available when needed. Filler caps on each side of the car testify to the motoring experience of the manufacturers, and a further improvement which will be welcomed by all practical owners is the fitting as standard of Smith's Jackall equipment. The pumping cylinder for this is mounted at the extreme rear of the car, the jacking units being attached to the frame and giving fully adequate lift despite the substantial travel permitted by the independent suspension system.
The sum of the detail improvements enumerated above has substantially increased the appeal of a car which has always been brimful of technically notable features and which, as now made, incorporates the lessons of five years' continuous development.