1951 Lea-Francis Special - Talbot Lago

Highlights

• Bespoke coachwork inspired by the Figoni et Falaschi-bodied Talbot Lago
• In current ownership for approximately 14 years
• Running and reportedly mechanically functional
• Fully re-wired with five new tyres fitted

The Appeal

The Lea Francis 14 was a refined post-war British sporting car, notable for its twin high-camshaft four-cylinder engine: an unusually sophisticated powerplant for a manufacturer of its size. This particular example has been reimagined as something altogether more dramatic: a special wearing bespoke coachwork inspired by the legendary Figoni et Falaschi-bodied Talbot Lagos of the late 1930s and 1940s, whilst retaining the distinctive Lea Francis grille to preserve its identity.

The current owner acquired the car approximately 14 years ago, at which point it wore a poorly executed homemade body. This was stripped away and replaced with the current flowing, teardrop-inspired form. The body is largely constructed in fibreglass, intended to serve as a template for the eventual fitting of hand-formed aluminium panels, and progress is already underway, with one front wing, the boot floor, front bulkhead, and one rear spar completed in aluminium. This represents an opportunity for a skilled coachbuilder or ambitious enthusiast to take on a well-conceived special and bring it to its full potential.

Key Information

• Mileage: 27,141 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: UK
• Technical inspection status: not stated
• Technical specs: based on 1951 Lea Francis 14 mechanicals
• Paperwork: V5C, period instruction book

The Detail

• Body replaced by the current owner with a Talbot Lago (Figoni et Falaschi)-inspired design
• Retains the Lea Francis grille and identity
• Most of the body is in fibreglass, intended as a template for aluminium panels
• One front wing completed in aluminium
• Boot floor completed in aluminium
• Front bulkhead completed in aluminium
• One rear spat completed in aluminium

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.