Lea-Francis 14hp Sports

Like so many British car companies, the Coventry firm of Lea-Francis started out in life as manufacturers of bicycles in the 1890s and built their first motorcar in 1903. 

Throughout the 1920s and ‘30s they concentrated on building small, sporting models such as the supercharged Hyper and the Ace of Spades which enjoyed much competition success. The 12hp and the 14hp were introduced in 1937 and continued until 1939 when production ceased and the factory concentrated on manufacturing for the war effort.

Post-war car production commenced in 1946 with updated vehicles based on the pre-war designs. The 14hp Saloon and Sports were luxurious and sporty vehicles and were well-received, if expensive, appealing to those who preferred individuality and craftsmanship to the banality of mass production.

Power came from Lea-Francis's own Riley-style twin-cam overhead-valve 1.8-litre four, designed by Henry Rose and good for 90mph in Sports twin carb tune. Not only one of the best-looking engines ever made, it was also eminently tunable and found its way into numerous racing cars, notably the first Connaughts.

The styling of the aluminium-bodied Sports was particularly attractive with more than a hint of the gorgeous pre-war BMW 328 about it. Weighing only one ton, it also had very sprightly road manners. Costing a princely £1,276 it was always going to be a luxury that few could afford and just 118 examples were sold before production came to an end in 1949. Only 46 examples are known to survive and all are increasingly sought after today.

As the original factory build sheet confirms, this particular Sports was built in the summer of 1948 and was driven by a staff member from the Coventry factory up to the Scottish Lea-Francis distributor, Rossleigh Ltd of Edinburgh. A good first test for a car, particularly in those days!

It was first registered to a Mr KJ Ross in August 1948 who promptly entered the car in the 1950 Rallye des Alpes, a gruelling 1,000 mile event through spectacular mountain passes in Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Ross came a creditable 8th in Class in an event that was dominated by Ian Appleyard in his famous ‘NUB 120’ factory-supported Jaguar XK120.

The large history file that accompanies this car contains several fascinating mementoes from this time, including the Rallye des Alpes rally plates worn by GFS 754 on the event, the bronze finisher’s medal awarded to KJ Ross, the official rally program and numerous press cuttings and photographs.

Ross kept the car until 1965 before selling it to GL Hancock Dore but it appears that Ross then bought it back again in 1975 and kept it until 1990. It then passed to a Mr Swete in 1990 who immediately had the engine rebuilt by Barry Price of Lea-Francis cars when a new clutch was also fitted. He kept the car for the next 12 years, successfully completing the Historic Rallye des Alpes event in 2000, replicating the feat that KJ Ross had achieved exactly 50 years before. Again there are photographs and rally plates commemorating this event in the history file.

The current 5th owner acquired the car five years ago from LV Weeks and has used it only very sparingly. During this time he has had the interior retrimmed in red leather (the original colour, as is the metallic grey paint), the dash instruments rebuilt and much of the chromework replated. A new hood, tonneau and sidescreens have also been made along with a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system. Four new tyres of the correct type have also been fitted which give the car a really pleasing and purposeful stance. A discreet battery isolator switch is also fitted for added safety and security.

The LeaF has still only covered some 9,000 miles since the engine was rebuilt and it is said to be in good working order throughout although the carburettors could do with tuning as it is presently running a bit rich. Although the car was last MOTd and on the road in 2009, it has been started and run regularly and the vendor believes that gaining a new MOT should be no more than a formality (though the MOT is now voluntary on a car of this age in any case). Given the lack of recent use some careful recommissioning would be advised before the car is entered into the next Alpine Rally!

The current indicated mileage of 61,200 is thought to be genuine and is largely borne out by the substantial history file which contains much interesting correspondence between previous owners and Lea Francis Cars who have maintained the car on-and-off throughout its 65-year life to date. A large amount of technical literature is also included along with an original owner’s handbook, a green continuation log book from 1965, a current V5C and a sixth spare wheel and tyre. A quantity of other useful spares (listed in the history file) will also be made available to the winning bidder by separate negotiation if desired.

Although the paintwork is a little faded here and there, this is a wonderfully honest and well-maintained car that just oozes charisma. One of only 46 known survivors and with an interesting history from new, it looks great value at the guide price suggested today.