Description
We are delighted to offer this strikingly beautiful 1948 Lea Francis 14HP Sports, one of a mere 137 made of which approximately 40 survive.
It must have made quite an impression in 1948 as one of the most modern looking sports cars with echoes of BMW 328 and Jaguar XK120, although the latter would not be available to buy for another couple of years.
Based on the 14HP saloon, the Sports model featured a one foot shorter chassis and a tuned version of the superb Hugh Rose designed twin high camshaft four cylinder engine which is of course very similar to the classic Riley 12/ 4 which Rose was also responsible for.
The Lea Francis was pre-war in its conception with a beam front axle and aluminium over ash construction of the body. However, it is well-engineered and a terrific car to drive. The Girling rod operated brakes were the finest brakes of the day and are free of the maintenance issues that bedevil hydraulics.
Despite the small number of cars made, the 14HP Sports was highly thought of in its day and Lea Francis supplied a number of chassis to Connaught engineering to form the basis of their L- Type sports cars. The engines were also developed by Connaught to use in their successful A-Type Formula 2 racing cars. They were also used in America for midget car racing.
The car looks very smart in metallic silver blue with matching blue leather interior and carpets.
Mechanically the car is in very good condition and benefits from the addition of overdrive which greatly improves the Leaf’s cruising ability and makes it very usable on today’s roads.
The engine starts readily and settles down to a quiet idle. On the road it drives extremely well with plenty of performance, fine handling and good brakes. The overdrive engages without delay.
Our Lea Francis was the fourth 14HP Sports built in 1947 but not delivered to London dealers Charles Follett of Mayfair until 29 April 1948. The car was taken back by the factory on 24 June of the same year and was then registered in Coventry. It was retained by the factory as a development car and used for testing the midget car racing engines destined for the USA. It was sold to the Romford Motor Co. in Essex on 12 July 1950. From 1952 to 1954 it was owned by R. C. Brown, latterly of Ulverston, Cumbria. Brown ran it in the 1952 Daily Express National 1200 Mile Rally. In 1956 it passed through dealers Boshier & Pattenden of Norwich to a Mr Paltrick.. In July 1961 the car was with A. Harden of Leigh, Lancashire and was written up in the ‘Leigh Star’ on 22 May 1980. By 1983 the car went to Belfast in the care of Sidney Gilmore and in 2003 underwent considerable restoration work including a respray while the engine was sent to Barrie Price of Lea Francis Cars for rebuild.
Interestingly, while with Lea Francis cars, the compression ratio was raised to 8:1 and received further modifications on 24 May, 1954, presumably by Lea Francis Cars also.
The Lea Francis comes with full weather equipment including tonneau and sidescreens. It also features two small seats in the back which, although not a standard fitment, we have seen on a number of 14HP Sports.
The 14HP Sports has become a bit of a forgotten car and deserves to be recognised for the superb car it was – possibly the finest British sports car you could buy in 1948. This lovely example would surely gain entry to some prestigious events.
We would happily consider an interesting vehicle in part exchange.
A video of the car can be viewed on the St Andrews Autos YouTube channel.
To arrange a viewing call James on the number provided or contact us via the website.
Thank you for reading.
