1954 Lea-Francis 14hp Saloon

Description

Ex-factory demonstrator; sympathetically restored in the mid-1980s and lightly used since; few owners; wiring needs attention

Like so many British car companies, the Coventry firm of Lea-Francis started out in life as manufacturers of bicycles, trying their hand at motorcars in 1904. For most of the 1920s and ‘30s Lea-Francis concentrated on building small capacity sporting models. The 12hp and the 14hp were introduced in 1937 and continued until the outbreak of war in 1939 when production ceased and the factory concentrated on manufacturing for the war effort.

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 development of the Riley twin-cam. From 1949 independent front suspension was adopted and these fine cars sold steadily, around 1,500 saloons finding customers before production came to an end in 1954.

First registered in Coventry in July 1954, this Lea-F must be one of the last made. According to notes on file it was originally a sales demonstrator owned by Lea-Francis themselves, being sold to Farrier Engineering of Cardiff when it was less than a year old. It then spent 30 years with a Herbert Hodgson of Newport before being acquired by another local man, David Wooley, in 1985.

A confectioner by trade and the owner of a collection of classic cars, Mr Wooley spent 12 months restoring the Lea-F, as recounted in a newspaper article on file. Although it was in good running order, the aluminium bodywork had a few dents and the paint was past its best so it was carefully straightened out and repainted. The wooden floor sections had rotted in places so these were also replaced. The interior was restored by Spencer Brothers of Newport who refurbished the seats and fitted new carpets and headlining.

Mr Wooley kept the Lea-F for the next 28 years, taking it to many shows. It then briefly had two further owners before our vendor acquired it in 2015. Various invoices show routine upkeep over the next couple of years. The car has now developed an electrical fault and is being sold here as a non-runner, the vendor stating that it would ideally be re-wired before being put back into use.

As you can see in the photos, it looks very attractive with nice shiny paintwork marred only by some deterioration on the o/s rear wing and some slight bubbling at the base of the front passenger door. The interior also looks smart although the stitching has shrunk on the front passenger seat squab.

Retaining its original (transferable) Coventry-issue number plate, PDU 570, it also comes with an original owner’s handbook, a period sales brochure and two sets of keys. Gamely on offer at no reserve, the best bid takes it home.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com