Beschreibung
1951 Lea-Francis 2. 5 litre Sports - Rare & Desirable
Another famous Coventry manufacturer with its origins in the cycle industry, Lea Francis was founded in 1895. Car production commenced in 1903 with motorcycles being manufactured from 1911. Originally the cars were built under licence for Singer but by 1919 they were to produce their own cars using proprietary components.
Midway through the 1920’s the sporting character of the marque was gaining strength with models such as the ‘Ace of Spades’ and ‘Hyper’ proving excellent and highly capable. The Hyper was the first supercharged British production car, powered by a 1. 5 litre Meadows engine and in 1928 one such model was to win the Ulster TT.
By 1937 the company was to be re-formed, with George Leek as chairman. Joining the new team were several ex Riley men, including Hugh Rose, who had designed the Riley 12/ 4 power unit. Two new cars of 12 and 14hp were introduced in 1937 and were to continue until 1939, when the works was to concentrate on manufacture for the war effort.
Post war production began in 1946 and by 1950 the 18hp Saloon and a more powerful Sports model with the 2. 5 litre engine appeared. A fine, well equipped car, in fact just 77 examples were built by the time production ceased in 1953.
Offered here is a 1951 model that has come to us on behalf of its owner in Ireland. It has been in the current ownership for the past 15 years and has been the subject of extensive restoration with much of the work being carried out by Barrie Price of Lea Francis Cars.
There are a number of photographs of the car in various stages of restoration plus much history and invoices etc. Full weather equipment includes a tonneau cover.
A rare and desirable thoroughbred sports car, it is certainly attracts considerable interest whenever it is seen. The car is being offered for sale as the owner is reducing his collection. Rarely does this model become available.
More photographs will follow - awaiting preparation.
For initial enquiries please call on the details below or the details below
Viewing by prior appointment please - with the lighter evenings we can be flexible around timings.
