Brief History of the Marque: Lea-Francis
Richard Lea and Graham Francis made bicycles in Coventry in 1895, experimented
with automobiles for some years before building their first V-twin JAP-powered
motorcycles in 1912. This was a quality machine quite advanced for its
day, having quick detach wheels and enclosed chain. By 1921 they had added
a MAG 3.5hp and a JAP 5hp to the range. These were
true gentleman's machines built by a firm whose clientelle included the
likes of George Bernard Shaw.
After 1924 Lea-Francis ceased motorcycle production in favour of cars,
which they continued to build into the 1950s.
