26th Jun, 2021 12:00
Online Auction of Classic Cars, Motorbikes, Registrations & Automobilia
1947 Lea-Francis Woodie Convertible
Registration - EDB 429
Chassis No. - 2188
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 23,000
And now for something completely different. Believed to be one of a kind, this extraordinary Lea-Francis was constructed around a 14hp chassis by Angel Motors of Manchester back in 1947, and is a striking mix of ivory-coloured aluminium panels at the front and clear coat ash bodywork at the rear, all of which is topped off by a burgundy-coloured hood and complemented by lustrous chrome brightwork. The interior features immaculate burgundy leather upholstery and matching carpets. The vendor, who is reluctantly parting with the woodie due to ill health, unsurprisingly considers the unique bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, ‘very strong’ 1767cc four-cylinder engine and manual four-speed gearbox as all being in ‘excellent’ order.
The history of ‘EDB 429’ is as captivating as the car itself, as early on it belonged to the father of Mike Maxfield, lead guitarist of the ‘60s pop group Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas. The band shared the same manager as the Beatles, Brian Epstein, and frequently featured on the same events bill as the ‘Fab Four’, gigs to which they frequently travelled aboard the Lea Francis. On one occasion it attracted the attention of John Lennon who reportedly commented that ‘he would like to own a car like that’. A former first class prize winner at the Great North Air Ambulance Motor Show, the Lea-Francis comes complete with a comprehensive history file that includes early photos of the car, plus ephemera relating to Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas. A seemingly unique early post-war motorcar with fascinating links to Britain’s ‘swinging ‘60s’, which currently displays just 23,000 credible (though unwarranted) miles from new.
In summary:
- An apparently unique motorcar presented in immaculate condition
- Fascinating links to British 1960s pop culture
- Believed to have travelled just 23,000 miles from new
Location of Vehicle - Brookfiled, Middlesbrough
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Estimated at £20,000 - £25,000Registration - EDB 429
Chassis No. - 2188
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 23,000
And now for something completely different. Believed to be one of a kind, this extraordinary Lea-Francis was constructed around a 14hp chassis by Angel Motors of Manchester back in 1947, and is a striking mix of ivory-coloured aluminium panels at the front and clear coat ash bodywork at the rear, all of which is topped off by a burgundy-coloured hood and complemented by lustrous chrome brightwork. The interior features immaculate burgundy leather upholstery and matching carpets. The vendor, who is reluctantly parting with the woodie due to ill health, unsurprisingly considers the unique bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, ‘very strong’ 1767cc four-cylinder engine and manual four-speed gearbox as all being in ‘excellent’ order.
The history of ‘EDB 429’ is as captivating as the car itself, as early on it belonged to the father of Mike Maxfield, lead guitarist of the ‘60s pop group Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas. The band shared the same manager as the Beatles, Brian Epstein, and frequently featured on the same events bill as the ‘Fab Four’, gigs to which they frequently travelled aboard the Lea Francis. On one occasion it attracted the attention of John Lennon who reportedly commented that ‘he would like to own a car like that’. A former first class prize winner at the Great North Air Ambulance Motor Show, the Lea-Francis comes complete with a comprehensive history file that includes early photos of the car, plus ephemera relating to Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas. A seemingly unique early post-war motorcar with fascinating links to Britain’s ‘swinging ‘60s’, which currently displays just 23,000 credible (though unwarranted) miles from new.
In summary:
- An apparently unique motorcar presented in immaculate condition
- Fascinating links to British 1960s pop culture
- Believed to have travelled just 23,000 miles from new
Location of Vehicle - Brookfiled, Middlesbrough
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: Online Auction of Classic Cars, Motorbikes, Registrations & Automobilia, 26th Jun, 2021
Viewing Days:
By appointment only, please contact a member of our team on 01606 828124 to arrange.
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
