The Lagonda 4-1/2 Litre, with its magnificent presence and its sheer size, was perhaps the most visually impressive of the 1930s British supercars. It was also fast. Even the first model, the M45, could be relied on to reach more than 90mph. The car's reputation was further boosted by the car's 1935 Le Mans win. In the same year, W.O. Bentley joined the firm, and proceeded to refine and revise the car, resulting in the LG45 and the superb V12. This book opens with an exposition of the earlier history of Lagonda and the background to its introduction of the 4 1/2 Litre M45 in 1933. Then comes a highly detailed description of the car, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. The succeeding LG45 receives the same treatment as the previous model, with an extensive description, notes on differences from the M45, and an account of the cars' competition activities. While the LG45 was in production, Bentley and his team developed the fabulous V12, also of 4 1/2 litres. It attracted a great deal of attention and was produced alongside the six-cylinder LG6. Both models are discussed in depth, with coverage of the 1939 Le Mans, where V12s took third and fourth places. This is the first ever book devoted exclusively to the 4 1/2 Litre Lagondas. Its examination of these splendid, charismatic cars provides an unrivalled store of knowledge for the many owners and enthusiasts who care passionately about them, and serves as a tribute to the men who made them.

EJ 'Ted' Cutting was not only Aston Martin's most successful Chief Race Car Design Engineer, but was also an innovator with influential force on the worldwide automotive industry. Originating from a limited edition hardback version, this eBook was produced in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Aston Martin winning the World Sports Car Championship for Britain with the all-conquering DBR1 designed, engineered and created by Ted himself. Rather than a traditional biography of his life, Ted wanted his book to be rather less scripted and informal; it was therefore initially adapted from a number of recorded conversations between himself and Aston Martin Heritage Trust members Stuart Bailey and Brian Joscelyne - the title being an obvious choice considering this! In addition to the in-depth telling of a legendary period in British motorsport by a man at the centre of it all, the book also sees Ted clarify a number of details which have in the past been incorrectly reported. Unusually it also contains all his published documents and access to a 90 minute video of his unique lecture on 'Racing Astons' to further endorse his story. Although the original hardback edition of this book was produced only in a limited run, Ted's wish was to make the complete book available to a much wider audience, now possible through the internet; as an engineer always working at the cutting edge of technology, he would appreciate the benefits of information sharing in the digital age. As well as being of interest to fans of Aston Martin and of motorsports in general, the book is a compelling read for any student of automotive design and engineering; after all, progress is about standing on the shoulders of giants - and in the field of race car design, few individuals ever reach the colossal heights achieved by Ted Cutting.