Author Topic: Solved: MJW #863 - Lea Francis 14hp Special by Arnold Weaver (Read 2432 times)

woodinsight · « **on:** March 07, 2012, 06:24:16 AM »

Make should be easy but I also need the type and year.
I'm not sure of the coachbuilder but I have a good idea so to gain the point also provide proof of who built the body.

woodinsight · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2012, 10:44:25 AM »

I have to add that I doubt if my guess about the coachbuilder is probably wrong so if anyone can provide more information (with proof) it would be greatly appreciated.

woodinsight · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2012, 04:38:06 AM »

Up a level

bentleybob · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2012, 05:00:24 AM »

Lea Francis chassis of the thirties with forties wheels and a twenties Weymann replica coupe body which was frequentley seen on the Dutch roads in the late eighties: a bit of a conundrum...

woodinsight · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2012, 05:19:45 AM »

Quote from: bentleybob on March 12, 2012, 05:00:24 AM

Lea Francis chassis of the thirties with forties wheels and a twenties Weymann replica coupe body which was frequentley seen on the Dutch roads in the late eighties: a bit of a conundrum...

It's a Lea-Francis of course but not from the 1930s/1940s.
I believe the body may have been a replica Weymann but who built it I don't know.
As you say 'a bit of a conundrum'.....

bentleybob · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2012, 06:11:43 AM »

In most publication I have seen it was described as being 1937, which would make it a 14 hp (actually 12.9 hp) which was introduced in 1937, when Lea Francis was re-started after a financial meltdown, but is quite possible the new owner really wanted to participate in pre-war events, while his car actually was 1947 14 hp (which would tie in with the wheels) . The jerrican is 1920's, though

woodinsight · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2012, 08:22:36 AM »

Quote from: bentleybob on March 12, 2012, 06:11:43 AM

In most publication I have seen it was described as being 1937, which would make it a 14 hp (actually 12.9 hp) which was introduced in 1937, when Lea Francis was re-started after a financial meltdown, but is quite possible the new owner really wanted to participate in pre-war events, while his car actually was 1947 14 hp (which would tie in with the wheels) . The jerrican is 1920's, though

Yes that's what I originally thought if I believed my source.
However a Lea-Francis specialist has enlightened me as to the base car - Lea-Francis of course, but can you tell me the model and the year for the point?
LOCKED for you.

bentleybob · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2012, 12:25:54 PM »

No idea,I already gave the information I am aware of, and I have no further information from a 'specialist' source so by all means unlock this one

woodinsight · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2012, 02:35:22 PM »

Quote from: bentleybob on March 12, 2012, 12:25:54 PM

No idea,I already gave the information I am aware of, and I have no further information from a 'specialist' source so by all means unlock this one

Apologies - you already gave me the model - 14hp and you had guessed that it was post WWII. The year is actually 1950.
So I'm going to award you the point.
However I'm promoting this one to the Pros just in case someone knows the history/coachbuilder of this car.

bentleybob · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2012, 04:06:29 PM »

Thank you,

Otto Puzzell · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2012, 05:23:47 AM »

Perhaps Featured status will encourage more information

http://www.autopuzzles.com/

woodinsight · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2012, 05:34:35 AM »

Quote from: Otto Puzzell on March 13, 2012, 05:23:47 AM

Perhaps Featured status will encourage more information

http://www.autopuzzles.com/

Thanks Otto - fingers crossed!

Allan L · « **Reply #12 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:50:10 AM »

Yes we in the Lea-Francis Owners' Club, and particularly its owner, would like to know who built the body and when.
As Bentleybob says the car was in Holland for a while (until 1993 I think) and claimed to be 1937 - which a previous owner in Cornwall had also claimed and the DVLA record also shows!. The revived company was Lea-Francis (1937) Ltd. and they produced two prototype cars in that year but the skimpy front wings do not hide the independant front suspension which wasn't in production until 1949. We now know that it has chassis no. 8188 dating from 1950

woodinsight · « **Reply #13 on:** April 19, 2012, 12:46:11 PM »

Black hole material soon......

woodinsight · « **Reply #14 on:** April 23, 2012, 05:23:08 AM »

Placing this one in the BH until any further replies are forthcoming.....

Allan L · « **Reply #15 on:** December 28, 2012, 06:20:11 AM »

I just thought I'd fish this one out of page 6 of the Black Hole in case any of the very knowledgable people who have joined since last April know more history for this car!

woodinsight · « **Reply #16 on:** December 28, 2012, 12:32:24 PM »

Quote from: Allan L on December 28, 2012, 06:20:11 AM

I just thought I'd fish this one out of page 6 of the Black Hole in case any of the very knowledgable people who have joined since last April know more history for this car!

Good idea Allan!
Puzzles tend to get overlooked or are of low priority in the BH......

Allan L · « **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2016, 01:33:24 PM »

Quote from: Allan L on December 28, 2012, 06:20:11 AM

I just thought I'd fish this one out of page 6 of the Black Hole in case any of the very knowledgable people who have joined since last April know more history for this car!

I'll do that again as it was on page 12 this time having been undisturbed for three years.

We seem not to have had any news of Woodinsight for nearly as long.

Carnut · « **Reply #18 on:** January 16, 2016, 07:17:57 PM »

I'm in contact with him from time to time.
Last I heard he was likely to be moving to Holland with his job, but I haven't heard if he actually did.
I can only contact him again if he still has the same mobile phone, but it was a French one before..

Oguerrerob · « **Reply #19 on:** December 18, 2022, 12:23:31 AM »

I've found this car in an auction, this is the info they gave:
"1950 Lea Francis 14hp Special
No Reserve - Unique car and in current ownership for 20 years
Registration: AAY 275
Chassis: 8188
Odometer: 20,500
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

Unique hand-built body circa 1969 by a Cornish cabinet maker
Powered by a 1767cc twin cam overhead valve engine
Independent front suspension with hydraulic brakes
Complete with instruction book and history file
Tool kit, oil can and grease gun fitted under the bonnet
Four seater.

This unique Leaf was built circa 1969 by Mr Arnold Weaver from Polperro, Cornwall who was a cabinet maker. This is evidenced by correspondence from his son to the Vendor in 2004. The body is constructed with fabric ( Weyman type ) over a wooden frame which consequently is very light and results in a very lively and well handling vehicle. One the road the car performs very well with good steering and strong brakes and is surprisingly easy to drive.

Evidently a very well-constructed body that has survived over 50 years. Lots of attention to detail and some very nice touches such as the aluminium dashboard and handmade wooden toolbox. Ready for the next chapter in its life and sure to give immense pleasure to its next custodian.

Sold for £5,980"

Wendax · « **Reply #20 on:** December 18, 2022, 02:37:27 AM »

I consider this a just solution, so I've given you two points.

Oguerrerob · « **Reply #21 on:** December 18, 2022, 02:37:55 AM »

Thank you!!

nicanary · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2022, 06:02:40 AM »

Well solved

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Author Topic: Solved: MJW #863 - Lea Francis 14hp Special by Arnold Weaver (Read 2432 times)