3ltr and 3½ltr

In 1928 a revised model, the 3 litre, was introduced, featuring a similar engine to the 16/65 but bored out to 72mm, giving 2931cc. It had a long model run, finishing in 1934 and being succeeded by the 3½ litre which used yet another variant of the same engine in a different chassis.

One variant of the 3 litre, the “Selector Special” of 1931/2 has a Maybach gearbox with eight forward ratios. Both 16/65 and 3 litres used a 10’9″ wheelbase but there are two kinds of chassis. The earlier Z chassis bears a distinct family resemblance to the 2 litre. Later and coinciding with the introduction of the Selector Special a heavier chassis with straighter (in plan) side members, tubular cross members and different axles were adopted and it was this ZMB/ZMBS chassis which was developed into the 4½ litre M45. The 3 litre was also bored out during its life, with the earlier cars being 72 x 120 mm (2931cc) and later ones 75 x 120 m (3181cc). Both versions have seven-bearing crankshafts. On the 1932 cars a new radiator badge featuring stylised wings was introduced and this became a feature of all subsequent Lagondas

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