Founded in 1895 under the aegis of R.H. Lea, the company originally
built cycles and motorcycles, but, by the 1920s, was established as a
manufacturer of high quality sporting cars. From the 1930s to the 1960s,
Lea-Francis specialised in medium-sized cars built with care and the
best quality components. Successful in motorsports, "Leaf" was an
innovative company, but a lack of regard for good business principles
led to fluctuating fortunes throughout the company's long life. In The
Lea-Francis Story, Barrie Price tells the complete story of the firm.