Lea-Francis 14HP Estate (Woodie)
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A rare example of a woody car. It is believed there are less than 30 in
existence world wide and this is probably a one off by the fitting of the
sports engine, which was an advanced design for this era. The car still
retains the original Logbook and
Owners Handbook.
Registered 8th February 1951 in Dorset, the vehicle changed hands on
the 24th December 1952 and moved to Buckinghamshire. Around this time it
is believed the original engine was changed for the more powerful sports
engine, which increased the power output to 87bhp, with a maximum torque
of 114 lb/ft at 3,500 rpm and a top speed of over 85 mph.
The second owner retained it for 14 years until 2nd May 1966 when it
was bought by my father and the Leaf became the family transport until
1972, when I inherited it for my eighteenth birthday.
The vehicle was not been run for around eight years though the engine
was lubricated and can still be turned over with the starting handle.
The frame is beech with some discolouration of the wood and a mild
attack of woodworm, which has been treated. The horizontal section on the
passenger front door and the member below the spare wheel door at the
back, both have soft spots.
The chassis is rusty but still structurally sound and
the jacking points have been used in the last few months. The roof was
replaced around 30 years ago and is in excellent condition.
To make it roadworthy it needs a new battery,
repairs to the petrol tank, also the clutch and brakes will need freeing
off. The engine turns over with the battery but I have not tried it with
petrol.
When the engine was last running it was driven 20
miles from where it was stored, to my home. The milometer reads 43,763
which is genuine mileage
The car has always been garaged and it is
registered with the DVLA so the original number plate is still valid.
After 30 years of ownership and and never having has the time and the
money at the same time, I decided that the 'Leaf' needed some tender
loving care from someone who can dedicate effort into restoring the car to
it's former glory. I was sad to see it go and am keeping in touch with the new owner and track the progress of the 'Leaf'.
