The first Lea-Francis, built in about 1903.

A Lea Francis Hyper leaving the company works in Lower Ford Street on 6th June 1929. Ten days later this car won the Grand Prix d'Endurance at Le Mans, driven by Sammy Newsome and Kenneth Peacock. It completed 1380 miles over the 24 hours at something over 57 mph and won the GP D'Endurance trophy. It was the only 1.5 litre car to finish, beaten only by competitors with 4 litre or larger engines. 

This was the first British production car to have a supercharger. It a had a 1.5 litre engine and a four seat, three door fabric body constructred by Cross and Ellis of Much Park Street. It sold for £495.  

Picture by Graham Bosworth, courtesy of the Museum of British Road Transport. The original car can be seen at the Museum in Hales Street.

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