A Brief History of the Marque
Richard Lea and Graham Francis made bicycles in Coventry in 1895 and experimented with automobiles for some years before building their first V-twin JAP-powered motorcycles in 1912. This was a quality machine quite advanced for its day, having quick detach (QD) wheels and enclosed chain. By 1921 they had added a MAG 3.5hp and a JAP 5hp to the range. These were true gentleman's machines built by a firm whose clientelle included the likes of George Bernard Shaw who shared his love of motorcycles with another literary giant, T.E. Lawrence.
After 1924 Lea-Francis ceased motorcycle production in favour of cars, which they continued to build into the 1950s.
Wed Mar 04 2009
tlobzun at rmauctionsdot com
Information request
1915 Lea-Francis 500 cc V-Twin
We are seeking information/history on a 1915 Lea-Francis Motorcycle
being offered at our Toronto auction April 3-5, 2009
Chassis: A1728
Engine: ZC10-N-39281 - 500cc V-Twin (480 cc?)
It was owned by Henry W. Lewis since the 1940's and was inherited by his son-in-law (current owner) in 2005 after Mr. Lewis passed on. Mr. Lewis raced in trials in the UK in the 1950's. We have one record The Motor Cycling Club Ltd.- 32nd Land's End Trial on April 11-12th, 1952 in which he participated in the Class 1 - V.M.C.C. Solo Motorcycle trial.
I have enclosed some new photos and would be very interested in finding out more about this wonderful machine and if you have anyone that may be interested in bidding. Estimate $20,000 - $25,000 (Canadian dollars)
Kind regards and many thanks for your assistance,
Terry
Terrrance D. Lobzun
RM Auctions Inc.
One Classic Car Drive,
Blenheim, Ontario, Canada N0P 1A0
tel: 519-437-3052 cell: 818-703-2813 fax: 519-351-1337
Ontario, Canada
If you have a query or information about Lea-Francis motorcycles please contact us
