Description
Originally built as a Type “O” model of 1. 5 litres this “Leaf” has undergone a raft of improvements and modifications over the past 80 years. These upgrades have been undertaken by an almost who’s who of the Australian vintage and classic car scene.
In 1941 Engineer Len Sidney acquired the car and fashioned a low slung and attractive alloy body to the car complete with mudguards, 19″ wheels and wet weather equipment. Subsequently a 3 litre 6 cylinder Meadows OHV engine was installed, originally from a Bean, and this upgrade involved detailed correspondence between the owner and the top brass at Meadows engineering in UK. Further improvements included the fitting of a 4 speed gated change non synchro gearbox and an impressive dashboard layout of instrumentation reminiscent of a WW2 aircraft.
Over the years further improvements were gradually made to the car, including re fashioning of the front guards, heavy duty clutch, and more recently an overhaul of the brake system including re machining the drums and new brake shoes.
The Leaf was often seen in various competition speed trials and events in the late 1940’s and 1950’s with appearances at Fisherman’s Bend, Rob Roy, Ballarat Aerodrome Circuit, Mallala and Collingrove Hillclimb. With an ownership list including , Andre Chaleyer, Neville Webb, Bill Potts, Gavin Sandford- Morgan and Paul Samuels amongst them, this car was certainly owned and campaigned by some of the best and well known enthusiasts over time.
With its lightweight body, rakish looks and excellent power to weight ratio it is no wonder that this Lea Francis Special became so well regarded and collectible by those “in the know”.
E/ N 9605
