Lea-Francis Logo PNG
The Lea-Francis logo features a tandem of two mythical creatures, combining the best traits of each. The emblem emphasizes that the founders used part of their soul, history, and uniqueness to create first-class cars.
Lea-Francis: Brand overview
Lea-Francis, a unique British automotive gem, began its story in 1895 with founders Richard Henry Lea and Graham Francis. The brand initially focused on crafting bicycles before transitioning to motorcycles in 1903, quickly earning a reputation for reliability and quality.
Post-World War I, the brand shifted gears to automobiles in 1919, debuting with the Lea-Francis 10 HP, featuring a Coventry Simplex engine. The 1920s saw several successful models, including the Lea-Francis 12/40 and 14/40, making their mark in motorsport events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 1930s introduced the iconic Lea-Francis Hyper and the Ace of Spades, known for their speed and elegance. A notable moment came in 1937 when King George VI purchased a Lea-Francis 14/70 Sports, cementing the brand’s prestige.
During World War II, the brand shifted focus to military equipment, producing aircraft engines and generators. After the war, the brand returned to car production in 1946 with the Lea-Francis 14 HP Sports. The post-war market, however, proved challenging for luxury cars. The 1950s brought financial difficulties despite efforts with models like the Lea-Francis 2.5 Litre and the Lynx.
By 1960, automobile production ceased, and the brand pivoted to manufacturing precision tools and machinery under Lea-Francis Engineering. Attempts to revive the brand as a maker of exclusive sports cars in the 1980s and 1990s did not come to fruition.
Today, the brand thrives as a restoration company and supplier of spare parts, serving classic car enthusiasts. Collectors value Lea-Francis cars for their quality, performance, and distinctive style. The brand’s innovative engineering and meticulous craftsmanship continue to inspire automotive aficionados worldwide.
Meaning and History
What is Lea-Francis?
Lea-Francis is a revered British car manufacturer famous for its meticulously hand-built sports and saloon cars. The brand is acclaimed for its exquisite craftsmanship, impressive performance, and timeless British design, making it a standout in the automotive industry.
1928 – 1960
The logo of the automobile brand has an exotic appearance with a hint of heraldry and aristocratic roots. The symbol resembles a round coin. The company name is placed around the circle, formed by merging the surnames of the brand’s founders, R. H. Lea and G. I. Francis.
In the center, the initials “L” and “F” are artfully arranged one above the other with a slight overlap. To the right is a fantastic figure combining a fish and a unicorn into a single creature. Each animal likely appeared on the founders’ family crests, leading to merging the images following the merging of the surnames.
The fish is traditionally associated with smoothness, speed, and flexibility, reflecting the cars’ ability to maneuver easily, move quickly, and adapt to various road conditions. The unicorn, a mythical creature, symbolizes purity, nobility, and magic. Its inclusion in the logo indicates a commitment to high standards of quality and exclusivity.
