Lea-Francis 14/70 6-Light Saloon

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Described by its manufacturer as ‘one of Britain’s most exclusive cars’, the 14/70 Lea-Francis 6-light saloon was introduced at the 1948 Motorshow.

Sporting to the core, Lea-Francis installed their own engine which used twin-camshafts mounted high in the block operating short pushrods, allowing a particularly efficient hemispherical combustion chamber. The 14hp 1,767cc engine developed a healthy 70bhp at 4,700rpm and was fitted into a light chassis with independent front suspension and Girling hydro-mechanical brakes.

The bodywork was of aluminium, still in plentiful supply after the end of the war, built over a traditional ash frame. The all-enveloping coachwork was very up to the minute, around 170 of these distinctive 6-light saloons leaving the Coventry works before production of the model ceased in 1951. The Lea-Francis Owners Club records just nine cars as having survived.

This rare, original example was discovered by the vendor in 2011 hiding away in a nearby barn where it had sat unloved since 1982. The owner had bought it six years prior to that as a project but never got round to doing much with it and after some arm-twisting was pleased to pass it on to an enthusiastic new owner.

Originally sold through Wavertree Garages in Liverpool, it was first owned by the firm Crossley Brothers before moving to a Mr Hardwick in 1969. He sold it in 1976 to its last owner, bringing the total number of keepers to just four in 63 years!

Once in the vendor’s hands it was thoroughly recommissioned. The engine needed two new exhaust valves and a headgasket. The brakes were overhauled with a fresh master-cylinder kit and the front brake cylinders were rebuilt. A new generator regulator was also needed along with replacement twin fuel pumps. The headlights were replaced and a set of new radial 16” tyres fitted. One of the many advantages to LeaF ownership is the excellent spares back-up, Lea-Francis Cars Ltd still supplying a vast array of bits and pieces.

After much general tidying, the car has emerged as a practical and distinctive vehicle well able to keep abreast of today’s traffic.