2.6 Lagonda Drophead Coupe - 1952
The car has spent the last number of years (from 2012 until 2022) in Kuwait where it had covered only 150 miles in the last 10 years. DJR’s task was to return it to a roadworthy condition. What we found were considerably more problems than just being idle for those years. Suspension and brakes needed rebuilding, the differential was found to be completely worn out and the engine had been left after the head gasket failure which resulted in numbers 5 + 6 pistons being seized in the liners. Below are the pictures showing our progress.
The Lagonda as it arrived from the auction house.
Complete engine, before stripping and finding all the issues.
What we found once the head was removed, numbers 5 and 6 pistons seized in their liners.
The seized pistons, once removed from the liners. We managed to get the rings unseized, although the top ring came out in pieces on both pistons. Good news, we managed to salvage the pistons.
Gearbox removed and front and rear oil seals replaced, cleaned and refitted.
Torque tube, front mounting, showing bad deterioration. The gearbox rear mount was in the same condition. Both have been replaced.
Front brakes going back together with new wheel cylinders.
Engine bay, with engine removed.
Bottom of the engine showing nice steel billet crank shafts.
Pistons and liners removed all as one, the only way to get them out.
Head once stripped, was all ok, just requiring valve seats cutting and valves lapping back in.
Cylinder block was cracked between numbers 2 and 3 and 3 and 4 liner apertures. Block was sent to be metal stitched to stop it moving any more.
Differential removed and stripped for inspection. We found an extremely badly worn crown wheel and pinion. An exchange unit was found, thanks to Simon Constable, who luckily had one on the shelf.