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
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
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
The Gallery
Popular questions about make an offer
If an auction vehicle doesn't sell, it may be converted into a “Make an offer” listing. This will retain all of the details of the auction listing but replace the bidding functionality with an offering system whereby potential buyers can make an offer on the vehicle.
To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
If your offer is accepted, you’ll be charged a service fee. The amount depends on the cost of the vehicle and is an additional cost on top of the offer amount. Starting from as little as £/€300, it covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services, but rest assured, we're not in the woollen eyewear business and so the exact amount is always displayed upfront before you place your bid. You will only be charged if your offer is accepted.
The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
If you've ever squeezed a lemon then this'll be a doddle. Firstly you'll need to be logged in to your Car & Classic account and have added a valid payment card to your profile. Once these steps have been completed you can then make an offer by clicking on the "Make an offer" button on the listing page and entering your offer amount before clicking on the “Submit Offer” button underneath.
Make an offer
This seller is open to offers. Enter the amount you'd like to pay and if your offer is accepted, a member of the team will be in touch.
Under offer
This seller has accepted an offer.
Click the star to watch the listing and keep an eye on it in the favourites section of your account, or search for something similar.