Description
Lea Francis 14 Sport
JOK 583 1949
1767cc - producing 87 bhp
This is one of a mere 108 Lea Francis 14 Sports produced.
Of these only 32 were finished in Electric Blue metallic paintwork - and Yes, this is the original colour. Amongst the photos you will find a photo showing the original Electric Blue paint exposed from beneath a 1950's "overcoat".
It has an Aluminium body on a steel substructure.
Original Spats are included – you can use the car with or without them. (yes, these were painted to match at the same time as the rest of the car)
When new it cost £1276 incl. purchase tax which was £16 more than a contemporary alloy bodied Jaguar XK120. Note the 1949 Jaguar would likely cost you £250, 000 today, making this Lea Francis something of a bargain!
Given the low price of a new XK120 it's little wonder that only 108 of the higher priced Lea Francis 14 Sports were produced.
The Leaf (as its enthusiastic band of followers call it) is a sprightly performer with Twin SU Carbs & Twin high lift camshafts set high in the block.
Wheels are the rare optional Lea Francis 16 inch items giving a much better tyre choice at sensible cost. They are fitted with Avon radials which suit the car well. A set of 17 inch LF wheels will also be included if that is your preference. (My advice is to stick with 16's)
Once driven by Jaguar Legend Norman Dewis.
I have owned the car since 1984 and have comprehensively restored it over that time. Professional help was called upon where appropriate. Notably the machining work for the engine was overseen by Lea Francis' own Barrie Price who also supplied bearings, pistons, valves, guides and the like. Engine Balancing work was by Andrews Precision, Alloy body repairs by Alimax, Paintwork by Autolaque, Chrome-work by Castle Chrome, Upholstery, Wet Weather Gear and Tonneau cover by Piper Trim of Sparkford. It is fitted with a Dynamator (an alternator which looks like a dynamo) along with a supplementary loom to carry the extra ampage available. This provides enough power to drive the Halogen lights as well as the electric fan which supplements the original fan-belt driven fan along with some spare capacity to drive any power hungry devices. The original Dynamo is retained on the spares shelf.
Lea Francis original exhaust by Barrie Price along with a plethora of other items. Rebuilt Steering Box by a company in South London, Camshafts by Newman Cams, wiring loom by Autosparks. The list goes on and on.
The hood and tonneau cover are in as new condition and do their job exceedingly well. Unusually for an open topped car the lines are just as good with hood up as they are with hood down. Note some other 14 sports look "dumpy" when the hood is up, especially those with 4 seats. The hood and frame assembly storage system is remarkable and exceedingly neat, demonstrating remarkable attention to detail. The side-screens are as new and are neatly stored in a special compartment when not in use.
I persevered with the car in standard format for many years but (in common with many Leaf owners) was never happy with the gearbox.
I resolved this matter once and for all by fitting
an all synchromesh Getrag 265 5 Speed gearbox for lower revs at cruising speeds and significant improvements in driving pleasure with no more double de-clutching.
The gearbox is a delight and totally transforms the car. Externally there are no tell-tale signs to indicate a gearbox change.
The gearstick is in exactly the same position. Even the knob is identical save for the absence of 4 speed markings. The transmission tunnel and carpets are exactly the same and the speedo readings are accurate. Importantly, with future maintenance in mind, the gearbox can be removed without the need to remove the engine.
The original gearbox is also included in the package to retain the matching numbers options and satisfy the purists.
The car drives very well and is capable of covering long distances at reasonable speeds. We did 250 miles in it last weekend in relative comfort without mishap and took it to France in 2022 where it participated in The Fougeres Rallye - all without breakdown.
The car has a new MOT at time of writing.
In short a well sorted car which has been restored and maintained regardless of cost. As an enthusiast with other cars, as is often the case we do not have time to use them all as much as they deserve. Its time for someone else to enjoy it.
It can be viewed at my home near Usk in Monmouthshire, South East Wales until around 8th August. It can also be viewed at VSCC Prescott Hillclimb on 2nd and 3rd August but after around 8th August (if not already sold) will be available via a well regarded Classic Car Specialist in the South of England. It is therefore likely to cost you less if bought before 8th August.
