1939 Lagonda LG6 Rapide

Owner: The Watts Family Hosted by: Huntsman/Hagerty Photography: The Watts Family, courtesy of Hagerty UK / Tom Clutterbuck

Not seen in public over the past five decades, this beautifully preserved 1939 LG6 Rapide was the pride of the late Charlie Watts’ private collection. While he never learned to drive, Charlie revelled in the Lagonda’s design and historical importance, and he enjoyed being driven in it during his highly savoured down-time from touring with the Rolling Stones.

Engineered with DNA from the 1935 Le Mans 24 Hours-winning Lagonda M45R, the subsequent LG6 Rapide was among very few machines able to exceed 100mph prior to World War Two. One of WO Bentley’s first projects after joining Lagonda was a redesign of the 4.5-litre six, including a new crossflow cylinder head and twin-magneto ignition. A 26-year-old Frank Feeley, who would later go on to become Aston Martin’s in-house designer, was responsible for the car’s distinctive look.

Just six examples of the LG6 Rapide were built, before the outbreak of war halted production in 1939. In addition to its world-beating performance, its classically sporting proportions and exquisite Art Deco flourishes have made the LG6 Rapide among the ultimate connoisseur’s cars.

Power: 140bhp| Top speed: 105mph | 0-60mph: N/A