Lea-Francis 14 HP Sports Cowell Special (1946). Schätzpreis CHF 155'000 bis CHF 185'000
Lea-Francis 14 HP Sports Cowell Special (1946). Schätzpreis CHF 155'000 bis CHF 185'000
Unique Rarity of British Automotive History – the 1946 Lea-Francis 14 HP Sports Cowell Special
Few British marques combined engineering sophistication, exceptional craftsmanship and genuine sporting pedigree as convincingly as Lea-Francis. Founded in Coventry in 1895, the company established itself during the 1920s and 1930s as one of Britain's most respected manufacturers of high-quality motor cars and successful competition machines. Following the Second World War, Lea-Francis was among the first British manufacturers to resume production, building upon the distinguished reputation it had earned before the conflict. The 14 HP range provided the technical foundation for some of the most exclusive British sports cars of the immediate post-war era.
Among them, the Lea-Francis 14 HP Sports Cowell Special occupies a truly exceptional place. Built on a shortened 14 HP chassis, this remarkable motor car was developed by Cowell & Watson as the prototype for a proposed limited-production series. Its elegant bodywork was designed by the young Denis Jenkinson, who would later secure his place in motorsport history as navigator to Stirling Moss during their legendary victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. The planned production, however, never materialised. As far as we know, only one example and a second chassis were ever built, making the Cowell Special one of the rarest British sports cars of the post-war era.
Beneath the sweeping bonnet lies Lea-Francis's characteristic 1,767 cc inline four-cylinder engine. Already regarded as technically advanced in the late 1940s, it was admired for its refinement, flexibility and reliability. In Cowell Special specification, the engine develops approximately 90 bhp, providing spirited performance in a roadster weighing only around 900 kilograms. Contemporary road tests quoted a top speed of up to 170 km/h (106 mph)—an outstanding figure for a British sports car of the immediate post-war period.
Yet this remarkable machine is far more than an uncompromising competition car. It is equally capable of covering long distances with surprising ease and refinement. Although neither first nor second gear is synchronised, this is of little consequence, as the flexible twin-overhead-camshaft engine allows the car to be driven effortlessly in fourth gear for much of the time. The driving experience is wonderfully pure and direct—an authentic reminder of an era when the connection between driver, machine and road was refreshingly unfiltered. The example offered here is nothing short of unique.
The Lea-Francis has had just eight owners since new, with the current custodian acquiring the car in Switzerland in 2013. An earlier restoration carried out in Italy was found to have been compromised by significant shortcomings, prompting the owner to undertake a complete restoration of this irreplaceable one-off. After more than 4,000 hours of painstaking work, the Cowell Special now presents in truly outstanding condition. Three comprehensive files document not only the fascinating history of this extraordinary motor car but also the immense dedication invested in its restoration. The owner, himself a former racing driver, spared neither time nor expense in pursuing perfection. The meticulous calibration of the carburettors alone required an entire year. As a result, this road-legal racing car performs beautifully today, while a discreetly installed lambda sensor enables the driver to monitor the engine's air-fuel mixture at all times, ensuring optimum running.
The car is accompanied by an extensive history file including period documentation, invoices and the original Lea-Francis owner's handbook. Particularly noteworthy are its FIVA Identity Card and its Swiss Veteran registration, both of which further confirm the car's authenticity and exceptional historical significance. With its superbly documented provenance and outstanding condition, this Cowell Special represents a collector's motor car of the very highest calibre.
Its fascinating history, unique engineering and extraordinary rarity combine to make this one of the most significant Lea-Francis motor cars in existence and an automotive treasure of genuine international collector interest. Coupled with its exceptional restoration, comprehensive documentation and FIVA Identity Card, it offers an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire what is effectively a unique piece of British motoring history.
Needless to say, the Lea-Francis has successfully passed the rigorous Swiss Veteran inspection. Our own comprehensive workshop inspection likewise confirmed its exceptional condition, revealing no faults whatsoever beyond a slight trace of oil misting from the engine. There is every reason to expect that its next Veteran inspection in two years' time will be equally straightforward.
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