Description
The Lea-Francis 14/70 Saloon Mk VI was one of the marque’s most distinguished pre-war models, embodying the craftsmanship, refinement, and engineering precision that defined the company’s cars in the 1930s. Introduced in 1937, the 14/70 was the culmination of Lea-Francis’s steady evolution from building small, efficient touring cars into producing genuinely sophisticated sporting saloons. The Mk VI version represented the final and most developed iteration of the line, offering improved performance, greater comfort, and the quiet confidence that characterized the best of British motoring on the eve of the Second World War.
At the heart of the 14/70 Mk VI was Lea-Francis’s renowned 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine, displacing 1,767 cc and featuring overhead valves—a technically advanced configuration for its time. The engine, designed with the assistance of the respected Coventry-based engineering firm Meadows, produced around 70 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. With twin SU carburettors and a high compression ratio, it delivered strong mid-range torque and a smooth, eager character that made the car both responsive and refined. Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the upper gears, driving the rear wheels. This gave the saloon brisk performance for its class, with a top speed of approximately 80 mph and effortless cruising at 60 mph—impressive figures for a car of its size and elegance.
The chassis was built to Lea-Francis’s usual high standards, employing a robust ladder frame constructed from steel channel sections, with semi-elliptic leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers at each corner. The suspension setup provided a supple, well-damped ride that balanced comfort with assured handling. The braking system, fully hydraulic, was among the best in its category, giving strong and progressive stopping power. Steering was precise and well weighted, contributing to the car’s feeling of stability and control, whether on winding rural lanes or open roads.
The Mk VI Saloon’s bodywork represented a blend of traditional craftsmanship and restrained Art Deco elegance. Built on a wooden ash frame clad with hand-formed aluminium or steel panels, it had a sense of solidity and quality that mass-produced cars could not match. The design featured a long, flowing bonnet, a tall, upright radiator grille bearing the Lea-Francis badge, and gently curving front wings that flowed gracefully into the running boards and rear arches. The roofline was more streamlined than earlier models, giving the Mk VI a sleeker profile while maintaining generous headroom for passengers.
The attention to detail extended throughout the car. Chrome accents adorned the grille, bumpers, and window frames, while neatly integrated trafficators and dual side-mounted spare wheels added to the period charm. The proportions were ideal—compact enough to feel agile, yet substantial enough to convey a sense of luxury and authority.
Inside, the 14/70 Mk VI Saloon offered the kind of refinement expected of a bespoke British motorcar. The cabin was trimmed in fine leather and polished wood, with comfortable seating for four adults. The dashboard, finished in walnut veneer, housed a full array of instruments, including oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and ammeter gauges, all supplied by Smiths. The driving position was commanding yet relaxed, aided by clear visibility and a large, well-positioned steering wheel. Every surface conveyed craftsmanship: from the hand-stitched upholstery to the quality of the fittings and switchgear.
On the road, the Lea-Francis 14/70 Mk VI was both quick and composed, offering a level of refinement that belied its modest displacement. The engine’s flexibility made it well suited to long-distance touring, while the car’s handling—thanks to its stiff chassis and balanced suspension—was lively and predictable. Contemporary road tests praised its performance, remarking on the ease with which it maintained high speeds and the confidence it inspired in corners. Its combination of comfort, stability, and performance put it on par with more expensive rivals from Riley and Alvis.
Lea-Francis produced the 14/70 Mk VI in limited numbers, as each car was hand-built to order at the company’s Coventry works. Customers could choose from various body styles, including saloon, coupé, and drophead coupé configurations, though the saloon was the most popular. Each example was subtly unique, reflecting the bespoke nature of the marque’s production methods.
By 1939, the outbreak of the Second World War brought an end to civilian car production, and the 14/70 Mk VI became one of the last pre-war models from Lea-Francis. Its reputation for quality, performance, and understated style endured long after the factory ceased operations during the conflict.
Today, the Lea-Francis 14/70 Saloon Mk VI is regarded as one of the company’s finest pre-war achievements. Surviving examples are treasured by collectors for their blend of traditional craftsmanship, engaging driving dynamics, and elegant design. It stands as a testament to the engineering skill and artistry that characterized Britain’s smaller independent manufacturers during the golden age of motoring.
More than just a car, the 14/70 Mk VI symbolized the values that made Lea-Francis exceptional: precision, individuality, and an unwavering commitment to quality. It captured the spirit of a time when every car was a personal statement—hand-built, beautifully balanced, and built to last.