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The Lea-Francis Company originated in Coventry in Great Britain. It was formed in 1895 by Richard Henry Lea and Graham Inglesby Francis. The company began life building bicycles before entering into car manufacturing in 1903, followed by motorcycles in 1911. They built cars under license from the Singer Company until 1919, when they began building their own cars using components they bought.
By the early 1930s, the company had entered receivership. Production continued but at a very low rate. In 1938, the reemerged under new ownership, offering a pair of twin-cam engined models designed by Hugh Rose, formerly with Riley.
After World War II, the company recommenced production with its 1939 range, and it was not until 1947 that a new model arrived - the 14hp Sports. The Sports was powered by Lea-Francis's Riley-esque twin-camshaft 1.8-liter four. In 1949, a 2.5-liter version of the twin-cam four-cylinder engine was offered, coupled with twin SU carburetors. Unfortunately, this was not enough to save the company, and just 85 of these roadsters were produced.
This particular example was delivered new wearing Electric Blue paint. It was supplied first through Northern England representative Marshalls Ltd. of Halifax in Yorkshire to Mr. Waterhouse, who retained it for five years, before moving south in the U.K. to a Mr. Watson of Kent. In 1963, it entered the care of Mr. Ashwill of Chelmsford and remained with him until the mid-2000s. At that time, it was purchased by Mr. Zifenbein of Madison Heights, Michigan. David Evans of Blacklick, Ohio, became the next owner, who repatriated the car for an engine rebuild.
The current owner acquired the car in 2008. It was then treated to a comprehensive refurbishment that took four years and more than $80,000 to return to its former glory. Since then, it has been driven a mere 100 miles. In 2014, it was shown at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance where it earned 1st Prize in the British Sports Car class.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015
By the early 1930s, the company had entered receivership. Production continued but at a very low rate. In 1938, the reemerged under new ownership, offering a pair of twin-cam engined models designed by Hugh Rose, formerly with Riley.
After World War II, the company recommenced production with its 1939 range, and it was not until 1947 that a new model arrived - the 14hp Sports. The Sports was powered by Lea-Francis's Riley-esque twin-camshaft 1.8-liter four. In 1949, a 2.5-liter version of the twin-cam four-cylinder engine was offered, coupled with twin SU carburetors. Unfortunately, this was not enough to save the company, and just 85 of these roadsters were produced.
This particular example was delivered new wearing Electric Blue paint. It was supplied first through Northern England representative Marshalls Ltd. of Halifax in Yorkshire to Mr. Waterhouse, who retained it for five years, before moving south in the U.K. to a Mr. Watson of Kent. In 1963, it entered the care of Mr. Ashwill of Chelmsford and remained with him until the mid-2000s. At that time, it was purchased by Mr. Zifenbein of Madison Heights, Michigan. David Evans of Blacklick, Ohio, became the next owner, who repatriated the car for an engine rebuild.
The current owner acquired the car in 2008. It was then treated to a comprehensive refurbishment that took four years and more than $80,000 to return to its former glory. Since then, it has been driven a mere 100 miles. In 2014, it was shown at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance where it earned 1st Prize in the British Sports Car class.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015
2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $100,000-USD $140,000
Sale Price :
USD $82,500
2015 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $80,000-USD $100,000
Sale Price :
USD $110,000
1949 Lea-Francis 2½ Liter Sports Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Lea-Francis 2½ Liter Sports
(Data based on Model Year 1949 sales)
1949 Lea-Francis 14hp Sports Chassis#: 7044 Sold for USD$26,714 2018 H &H Auctions - Classics & Motor Sport Hall of Fame | |
1949 Lea Francis Sports Roadster (2½ litre) Chassis#: 5200 Sold for USD$64,964 2017 Historics at Brookland | |
1949 Lea-Francis 2½-Litre Sports Chassis#: 5158 Sold for USD$82,500 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | |
1949 LEA FRANCIS 2½ LITER SPORTS Chassis#: 5158 Sold for USD$110,000 2015 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction |
Lea-Francis 2½ Liter Sportss That Failed To Sell At Auction
1949 Lea-Francis 2½ Liter Sports's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1949 Lea-Francis 12/14 Skelly Special Formula 2 Sports-Racing Two-Seater | C7098 | 2022 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival | $110,000 | $140,000 |
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1949 Lea-Francis 2½ Liter Sports
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