Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Old Wrench]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lea-francis-classic-car-/161531508342?_trksid=p2054897.l4275


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Well, apart from that, did you enjoy the play, Mrs Lincoln?

[Riley Blue]

No one? There are eight bidders.
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David

1963 Riley 1.5
1965 Riley 1.5

[Rick]

It'll probably creep up a bit nearer the end, but oddballs like this aren't really worth much - so are a relatively low-cost route into old-car ownership, if MGBs aren't your thing

RJ
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Rick - Admin
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[Richard H]

Unfortunately, a lot of people seem frightened at the lack of spares availability for more interesting cars, which is a shame really. It looks great, I wish I had a garage to keep it in and a well-stocked bank account, but sadly I have neither so won't be bidding.
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Richard Hughes

[Ellis]

Lea-Francis as a car manufacturer built over 10,000 cars over the years and yet nearly every classic car enthusiast I have met and talked to have little regard or admiration for the marque.

The same applies to Jowett.

I wonder why.
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[Richard H]

I don't know really. Possibly because so few people have heard of the marque, and those that have are worried about spares availability. Most 1940s/1950s saloons aren't really that sought after anyway, with the exception of some of the sportier numbers. Actually, a Jowett Javelin is near the top of my list of postwar cars to own in the near future! I absolutely love the styling of them!
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Richard Hughes

[Ellis]

[Old Wrench]

Although there are eight, nominal bidders, the price hasn't moved up much.

I agree about Jowetts: pretty and mechanically, advanced cars. I too much appreciate the styling.

I do think the Lea Francis is a pretty car too and for me, epitomises that quaint bridge between the late pre-war 1930s and the brave new and oftimes, ugly world of the early 1950s: in cars, particularly.

Design seemed to be trying to shrug off the austerity of the post-war era and sort of gallop forward: rather badly, IMHO.

My late father owned a Jaguar MK V saloon from circa 1949 to 1952, when he purchases his first wondrous Jag MK 7.

That was, then an utterly regal and splendid motor car.

Wish I had the room (and the time!), then I would indeed bid for the LF.

Graceful cars of yore.
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Well, apart from that, did you enjoy the play, Mrs Lincoln?

[Ray White]

Although I am not in the market for another car just yet, this is just the sort of thing that appeals to me. I don't think LF ever made an ugly car and they were always good quality if a bit expensive.

The 14 roadster is an exquisite looking car and they fetch a high price these days.

The Company was run by ex Riley men so I wouldn't be surprised if some parts were interchangeable.

The Lea Francis name was bought by Barrie Price (the LF Club President)and they can be a useful source of new and second hand parts. Club members also have access to a lot of used spares.


In my opinion, these are loveable cars and when restored are simply scrumptious!

http://www.lfoc.co.uk/vehicle/lea-francis-14hp-four-light-saloon-1946-1950/

[Keith D]

That Lee-Francis would be welcome in my driveway! It's a very attractive car. I agree with Old Wrench; it's part of that last stand after the war of smaller up-market manufacturers trying to get back again after the war with really nothing new.

As for Jowett Javelins not being sought after, perhaps they should all be exported to Australia! They're very sought after over here and with good reason; they are superb cars, especially bearing in mind the difficulties the company had to cope with during the steel shortage caused by the Korean war. (A major cause of their eventual demise) And the Jupiter is lovely! Certainly far more appealing to me than an MGB, with that delightful flat four engine.

Keith

[mikeC]

I, too, would love this LeaF, but I suspect the seller has too high a reserve on it. In my opinion the present price of just over a couple of thousand pounds is probably about what it's worth. Late forties saloons like this car, and the 14hp Alvis, even the better known RM Riley, struggle to fetch much more then £10-12,000 in top condition, and this Leaf could easily absorb that amount in its restoration.
Tellingly the seller doesn't show any pictures of the interior trim, and indeed isn't very forthcoming on its condition generally. Perhaps if he gave a better description he might tempt some better offers...

[JohnDale]

[52classic]

I agree with the apparent consensus here, that it is pretty much up to what it is worth - yet still below reserve.

True, the marque is not very well known but for me that only adds to the charm. I'd love it but the body work looks a bit scabby so it is either going to have to remain 'shabby chic' or there is going to be some big money to spend! There are not enough pics to give me the confidence that the inside an underneath are OK either. Maybe I'm just scared of it....Old age I expect!

[Ray White]

You are right to be cautious! The body is of a "stressed skin" aluminium over timber construction. This is an unusual type of semi - monocoque coach built body and would possibly require specialist restoration if the ash has perished. The floor is pressed steel.

On the plus side, the lightweight body enables this model to achieve over 70 mph.

If the interior is beyond repair a re trim in leather would be prohibitively expensive!

Not long now to see if it sells!

[Old Wrench]

Winning bid: £ 3,900.

Not a lot for such a wonderful piece of automotive history.....
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Well, apart from that, did you enjoy the play, Mrs Lincoln?