Lea-Francis 1920ca 3½ HP 496cc 2cyl IOE 3308

Lea-Francis 1920ca 3 ½ HP 496 cc M.A.G. IOE V-twin frame # A 1640 engine # 2 C10 No. 43208

In 1895 Richard Henry Lea and Graham Inglesby Francis formed a partnership to manufacture high quality pedal cycles in Coventry. Around 1910 it was decided to go into motorcycle manufacture. A prototype was built in 1911 and by August 1912 the product was thoroughly tested and ready for introduction to the press and public. Important features of the machine were the enclosed all-chain transmission, thoughtfully sited Bosch magneto, a sliding dog two-speed gear and a quickly detachable rear wheel. Quality of workmanship and engineering were on a very high level, comparable to the high standard set by John Marston’s Sunbeam machines. For the 1914 season an additional model was introduced with a somewhat bigger 496 cc J.A.P. engine and at the end of 1914 a three speed gearbox was introduced. After the war the customer could choose for a J.A.P. or M.A.G. engine of 496 cc. From 1921 on also a 5 HP (592 cc) power source was available. By mid-1924 motorcycle production came to a halt and Lea & Francis Ltd. concentrated entirely on the production of light cars. A typical Lea-Francis feature – seldom seen on a motorcycle – are the flexible metal downpipes of the exhaust system. We gather this machine is a 1920 model, since the M.A.G. engines were available late in 1919 and 1921 models got a shorter steering head. The long steering head was designed to provide well-spaced and effective bearing locations.

This well-made machine is fitted with foot clutch, enclosed rear chain, Lucas acetylene lighting system and has roomy footboards. She is an older restoration and quite a rare survivor; it is recorded that some 1,500 machines were made, of which around two dozen remain with us today. The Lea-Francis story was recorded by Ken Hallworth in “OLD BIKE” number 18, summer 1996.