1930 Lea-Francis P Type Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: DM 7757
Chassis No: 19011
Mot Expiry: Aug 2006

Although, its first model appeared in 1903, Lea-Francis effectively remained upon the peripheries of car manufacture until the December 1922 arrival of talented ex-Daimler engineer Charles Van Eugen. Debuting the next year, his D type was the first 'Leaf' to use a Meadows engine. A well crafted design, it paved the way for a series of more sporting / ambitious machines. Conscious that the firm's impending competition plans demanded a far stronger platform, Van Eugen developed an entirely new chassis for 1927. Famously fitted to both the 12/40 P type and supercharged Hyper (a tuned version of which won the 1928 Ards TT race), it boasted a longer wheelbase and wider track than any previous 'Leaf'. Equipped with an upgraded bevel-gear differential, semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes, it was powered by the legendary Meadows 4ED ohv 1.5 litre four-cylinder mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Of the 1,093 P-types made, a mere 100 or so are thought to have survived.
Finished in blue over black with blue leathercloth upholstery, this particular example wears Cross & Ellis two-seater plus dickey coachwork. Reputedly manufactured in 1930 but not registered until March 1932, it is described by the vendor as being in good (engine, transmission, electrical equipment, paintwork, bodywork) to very good (interior trim, chassis, wheels / tyres) overall condition. In his ownership for twenty years during which time it has been "used extensively for Continental touring, rallies and attending local VSCC meetings", DM 7757 is said to benefit from heavy-duty half-shafts as well as "the more powerful Meadows 4ED with twin SU carburettors and Brooklands camshaft". Recently treated to "new pistons, valves, valve guides and springs", this appealing Vintage sports car is reckoned to have only covered "approximately 2,500 miles since". Offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until 16th August 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until 28th February 2006