1930 Lea-Francis P-Type 1 1/2 Litre Fabric Saloon
Highlights
- One of only two known P Type 'Ulster' fabric saloons in this specification
- Recently serviced with a new battery and cleaned petrol tank
- Part of a private collection for many years
- Recently recommissioned for the road
The Appeal
The 1920s were proving a very competitive - if expensive - time to be developing the automobile, and the big bods at Lea Francis had a bit of a habit of digging their feet in. Dutch designer Charles Van Eugen was, by contrast, quite the innovator. After spending his first five years redesigning many of the company's stalwarts, in 1927, he convinced the directors of Lea-Francis to fund a new chassis design - a design that would soon become the P-Type.
Wider, longer, and with semi-elliptic springs incorporated along bronze trunnions, the new platform offered a superior ride quality to much of the market, not to mention superior road handling. The result was a very distinguished and eminently option-able car, of which a not-insignificant number of 1,093 were built - separated between an array of body styles.
One of the rarest offerings was this Ulster fabric body - which offered superior comfort and a quieter cabin. By the end of the 20s, these were falling out of favour, resulting in very limited numbers ever being constructed. Indeed, this example is believed to be one of only a handful.
Boasting a sports head and twin carbs on its 1,496cc Meadows marine-block, this smart saloon captures the car's trademark stance and distinguished performance very ably - and is presented in a superb level of originality. Part of a private collection for many years, this rare P-Type has been recently recommissioned for the road. It's rare we see examples from this transitionary period of pre-war motoring, and we're convinced this one will charm even the most discerning enthusiast.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1930
- The DVLA record 3 previous keepers
- In current ownership since 2019
- Previously part of a private collection for several years
- Recently recommissioned and serviced after a period in storage
- Currently indicates 16,392 miles on a five-figure odometer
The Condition
- Bodywork is original, with minor repairs to the fabric
- Everything looks in good order with a pleasant patina
- Bonnet and wings are reportedly rust-free, maintaining an "oily rag" condition
- Brasswork looks in fine order
- Wheels in fine fettle, including the spare
- Recently fitted with Waymaster tyres
- Internally, the car is in very original order
- Original leather seats with softened leather
- These carry age-commensurate cracking and creasing
- Headlining is in very good condition
- Carpets have been replaced at some point
- Wood cappings are in good overall order with age-commensurate patina
The Mechanics
- 1,496cc Meadows 4ED marine block engine
- Sports head
- Twin carburettors
- Engine running well, starts easily and holds well on the road
- The vendor notes a charming engine note thanks to the rare twin-carb setup
- All lights functioning correctly on a 12-volt system
- Recently serviced with a new battery and cleaned petrol tank
- We understand the car to be running as expected with no faults to note
The vendor says:
"The engine is running fantastic! After a few years of being in storage it received a full service, a new battery and a petrol tank clean - and it's running like a watch. The car starts very easily and holds great on the road."
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1930
- Make Lea Francis
- Model P Type
- Colour Black
- Odometer 16,392 Miles
- Engine size 1496
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Newry
- Location Northern Ireland
- Country United Kingdom
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