EX- Reg Parnell' car
Magnificent convertible in superb condition. The car works perfectly
This is the No. 1 that the owner of the brand had reserved for himself
The mechanics have been completely revised.
Steering rebuilt (new steering box)
Léa-Francis manufactured 85 2. 5l Sports roadsters including this one which is number 1 with a competition engine. The body is entirely aluminum with a 4-speed transmission coupled to a 2. 5l 4-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts and two SU carburettors developing over 100 hp.
History of this model:
In 1951, this car remained at the factory and was used as a demonstration and test car.
In 1952, it was specially prepared for its new owner, Formula 1 driver Reg Parnell (he participated in 4 seasons in the world championship driving Alfa, Maseraiti, Ferrari, BRM and Cooper, then he became team director in running John Surtees, Roy Salvadori, ...). The factory and it received a special competition engine (special crankshaft, special pistons, reworked intake and exhaust) which delivers 121hp.
Few people know it, but this 4 cyl 2500cc Lea-Francis engine was fitted in the Connaught F1 which participated in the world championship between 1952 and 1954 on behalf of Connaught Engineering, the Belgian Ecurie, the Ecurie école and of the Rob Walker Racing Team with notable drivers Stirling Moss, Prince Bira and Johnny Claes.
The car received a major overhaul at the factory in November 1955 and a new paint job in 1956.
:New restoration in 1961 by Barrie Price for the 5th owner Kenneth Benfield, director of the Lea-Francis company.
The car was restored in two-tone black and yellow paint with the addition of a running board and the complete repair of the upholstery in the early 2010s.
The mechanics, suspensions and steering have just been restored to new condition.
The car reaches and exceeds the speed of 150 km/ h
Visible central France
Factory test car specially prepared for F1 driver Reg Parnell.
