1948 Lea Francis 14hp Sports Registration Number: CCS 147  ...

Estimate

£20,000 - £30,000

1948 Lea Francis 14hp Sports

Registration Number: CCS 147 
Chassis Number: 7000
Recorded Mileage: c.5,800 miles

- In current ownership since 2014
- A well known car in LeaF circles
- Comprehensive cosmetic restoration

Like several British car companies, the Coventry firm of Lea Francis started out in the 1800s as manufacturers of bicycles and built their first motor car in 1903. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s they concentrated on building small, sporting models such as the supercharged Hyper and the Ace of Spades. Post-war car production commenced in 1946 with updated versions based on the pre-war designs. The 14-Sports model started production in March 1948 with 89 cars produced during the year, of which 11 were left hand drive and exported to the USA and 10 rolling chassis supplied to Connaught for conversion into single seated race cars. The 14 Sports were luxurious sporty cars appealing to those who preferred individuality and craftsmanship to mass production. Power came from the Lea Francis’ own Riley styled twin cam overhead valve 1767cc four-cylinder engine, and good for 89 mph.

The styling of the aluminium bodied Sports was particularly attractive, with a hint of BMW’s pre-war 328 design. Weighing only one ton, the 14hp also had a very spritely road manners. Just 118 examples were sold before production came to an end in 1949. Only 46 examples are known to have survived and several have not been seen for many years. The Lea Francis Owners Club has a healthy membership and provides events throughout the year. The club also has access to spare parts and are now able to manufacture some new parts from the original engineering drawings.

Originally delivered via a dealer in Rossleigh, Newcastle in August of 1948. By 1967 the Lea Francis was with a J. Mallinder of Whitby, and then from 1968 a Major D.C Barnes of the 7th Signal Regiment in Germany. The LeaF was still in Germany in 1979 when acquired by a Herr Hoest Hildon, finally making its way back into current British ownership in 2014 via the Channel Islands. Our vendor drove the car for around a year before taking it off the road for a full repaint. The engine (#S2825) is certified by the Lea Francis Registrar as original to the registration CCS 147, which was reassigned to the UK upon its return into the country.

Having driven the LeaF on several club events, our vendor felt he had full mechanical confidence in the car, and so decided to restore it to near original condition, yet usable for today’s roads. The engine received an unleaded fuel conversion and the radiator was power flushed and repainted. The engine now runs at a steady 60 degrees on normal motoring, straying only up to 70 degrees in the summer. The oil pressure is excellent at 40psi and fuel consumption is around 30mpg.

The exhaust system required attention, so on a recommendation was replaced with a full stainless steel 4:2:1 manifold and exhaust, which we understand functions well and sounds beautiful.

Eventually in 2016 it was decided to replace the Opal Cream paintwork applied during its ownership in Germany. The coachwork was stripped and all paint removed, the aluminium was found to be in very good condition, so after extensive preparation it was finally superbly refinished in a metallic grey/blue. The interior was refitted in red leather by a retired ex-Rolls Royce (46 years..) motor trimmer, and still presents very well.

When completed the car was entered into the Sherbourne Historic Vehicle Rally in 2022 where it won ‘Best Overall Car” out of nearly 200 entries. The following year it came 2nd in the Master Class. Since restoration the car has been used on Lea Francis annual events, even driven to Germany on one occasion. Having enjoyed the Leaf over several years, and after much deliberation, our vendor has decided that the time has come to find a new home for his beloved LeaF. A well loved and very nicely presented example, this LeaF is ready to take its next owner on many new adventures.