Lot details
Registration No: GUK 400
Chassis No: 7044
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Described by the vendor as having an excellent engine, electrical and transmission

- Matching numbers car with original number plate

- Only 3 previous keepers

In common with the makers of many early British cars, Richard Lea and Graham Francis originally manufactured pedal cycles, for which they acquired a strong reputation. Their first foray into cars was less successful, however, and just three of the 1903 design powered by a bizarre three-cylinder engine mounted horizontally below the occupants' feet were made - none of which survive today. The far superior motorcycles produced between 1912 and 1924 kept the company afloat long enough to once-again try its hand at the four-wheel market. The re-entry occurred in 1919, but it was the ensuing appointment of Dutch-born designer Charles Van Eugen and a move to Meadows engines that kick-started the company's heyday. A change of image for 1925 led to the Hyper and Ace of Spades models - the former being Britain's first supercharged production car, an example of which carried Kaye Don to a memorable victory in the 1928 Ulster TT.

The post-war 14hp Sports was a breath of fresh air - a highly acclaimed model that provided the chassis, engine and transmission for the Connaught L2 and L3 sports cars. Despite its popularity, only 137 Sports were built, of which just c.40 are believed to survive today. The righthand drive 1949 example on offer is a matching numbers one that was restored in the 1970s and has had just three keepers from new. One of whom - a gentleman from Shropshire - retained it from 1973 to 2000, and it was during his custodianship that 'GUK 400' was finished in its current livery of Old English White with White leather upholstery. The Lea-Francis is now offered complete with original number plate, hood, side screens and tonneau. The vendor presently grades the car's engine, transmission and electrical system as 'very good' and the bodywork, paintwork and interior trim as 'good'. The engine has had a top end rebuild including new valve springs, hardened valve seats to allow it to run on unleaded, skimmed head and block. The transmission has also had a refresh including new selectors and bushes. A rare opportunity.