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| Lot number | 68 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £11,000 |
| Description | Lea-Francis Type I Tourer |
| Registration | RW 2309 |
| Year | 1925 |
| Colour | Maroon and black |
| Engine size | 1,472 cc |
| Chassis No. | 5855 |
| Engine No. | 3531 |
| Documents | V5C: old style logbook |
During the Great War Mr Lea and Mr Francis were fully employed fulfilling Admiralty contracts. In the post-war period, with the engineer CM Van Eugen in charge of design, production of cars rapidly expanded, starting with the Meadows-engined D-Type in 1923.
Subsequent models were developments of the D-Type with variations in specification of the engine and gearbox being the main differentiator. The I-Type, as on offer today, used the longer-wheelbase, more substantial chassis of the E-Type, rear-wheel brakes and, usually, the Meadows 4EC engine. Only 298 were built and it is believed that only two of these have survived.
RW 2309 was first registered in Coventry on 22nd April, 1925. Affectionately known as 'Miss Daisy', the car is well-documented and a familiar figure within the Lea-Francis Owners’ Club. Miss Daisy has featured in the Lea-Francis Anniversary Book as well as ten copies of ‘The LeaFlet' between 1987 and 1989. There is an old buff logbook which dates from 1950 and correspondence between the vendor and previous owners which covers almost the complete history of the car. Numerous old MOTs from 1978 to 2013 show regular light use.
This is one of a batch of Model Is which were fitted with the more powerful Meadows 4EB engine which had 1,496cc and delivered 28bhp. It still retains that engine along with the original four-speed gearbox. The un-braked front axle was replaced some time ago with a later axle to give four wheel brakes, a very sensible course of action to help cope with modern driving conditions.
Only having had the car for a short time, the vendor is desperate for space, having put together a fabulous collection of vintage machines over the years. This attractive and original LeaF would make an ideal mount for any budding ‘Lightcarist’, a movement within the VSCC which provides plenty of opportunities for its new owner to make the most of the numerous and humorous events that are on offer for a car such as this.
