Company overview
Lea-Francis began as a bicycle manufacturer in Coventry, England, in 1895. In 1903, the company began producing cars and motorcycles. From 1919, Lea-Francis built its own cars using components purchased from others. The company partnered with Vulcan of Southport, sharing manufacturing and distribution between 1922 and 1928. Lea-Francis introduced sporting models such as the Hyper in 1925, which became a successful racing car. In 1937, the company was reorganized with new engine designs and production ceased in 1939 due to wartime conditions. Post-war, production resumed with updated models until 1954, when only a small number of 2.5-liter sports cars were built. The Lynx roadster, produced in 1960, was the final model and only three prototypes were made. By 1962, Lea-Francis ceased operations, with its motor manufacturing parts sold to Quinton Hazell Ltd. In 1976, Barrie Price revived the brand and began producing hand-built replicas of classic Lea-Francis models. As of 2019, the Lea-Francis name and assets were sold.
