29th Nov, 2023 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/l...
Comprehensively restored in 2001-2011 with four-seater Tourer coachwork
Registered new to Lea-Francis Cars Ltd and described in records as a ‘Works Supply MkIV’
Matching numbers example
Further mechanical improvement since the acquisition of the vendor in 2021
Recently completed the Beamish Reliability Run and the Holme 100 hillclimb
In common with the makers of many early British cars, Richard Lea and Graham Francis originally manufactured pedal cycles, for which they acquired a strong reputation. Their first foray into cars was less successful, however, and just three of the 1903 design powered by a bizarre three-cylinder engine mounted horizontally below the occupants' feet were made - none of which survive today. The far superior motorcycles produced between 1912 and 1924 kept the company afloat long enough to once again try its hand at the four-wheel market. The re-entry occurred in 1919, but it was the ensuing appointment of Dutch-born designer Charles Van Eugen and a move to Meadows engines that kick-started the company's heyday.
Post-war car production recommenced 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. Power came from Lea-Francis's own 65bhp Riley-style twin-cam overhead-valve 1.8-litre four, designed by Henry Rose who had also led the development of the Riley twin-cam. From 1949 independent front suspension was adopted and these fine cars sold steadily, with around 1,500 saloons finding customers before production came to an end in 1954. Manufactured in 1952, chassis ‘9954’ was produced as a Saloon and registered new to Lea-Francis Cars Ltd. and described in records as a ‘Works Supply MkIV’. Subsequently supplied to Car Sales Plymouth Ltd. on the 31st of July 1952, the Lea-Francis latterly known to have been in the ownership of a J. P. Raby Esq at H.M. Rosyth Dockyard from 1969 until the early 2000s, when ‘9954’ was bought as a restoration project by the restorer.
Provided with a full and comprehensive restoration between 2001 and 2011, the body was reconstructed as an attractive four-seater tourer, with a new frame provided, suicide doors produced, and the bodywork clad in 1mm aluminium, along with the original saloon front end and rear. The engine was overhauled with a new inlet camshaft, skimmed head and new head gasket, and new core plugs, with the vendor informing ‘HCO 115’ still is showing good oil pressure. The remaining mechanical including gearbox, rear axle, steering, and brakes were all refurbished as required. A new hood trimmed in Black and side screens were provided, with a complete re-wire, before the Lea-Francis was finished in Green paintwork with a re-trimmed Green leather interior.
Purchased by the vendor during 2021, ‘9954’ has covered approximately 1,000 miles since purchase and has benefitted from further improvements to the electrics with a new distributor, points, plugs, and leads. A refurbished Kevlar coated fuel tank, overhauled carburettors by Burlen Fuel, fully refurbished brakes with new wheel cylinders, master brake cylinder and re-lined shoes have also been provided. A full and detailed engine condition report by AG Classics, with a clean bill of health, is included in the history file. Completing the Beamish Reliability Run and the Holme 100 hillclimb during the vendor’s ownership, the vendor informs that the Lea-Francis has been ‘reliable, goes really well and is a great touring car’.
The aforementioned history file contains a large collection of invoices, images relating to the restoration, previous MOT certificates, technical literature, an original Instruction Book, and a current V5C document. The vendor notes that the fuel gauge is intermittent, as is the speedometer but usually only for the first mile.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452