Lea Francis Ace Of Spades

The Ace of Spades was Lea-Francis's costly answer to the sporting pre-war six, named, so the story goes, after the shape of its timing cover. Its 2-litre single-overhead-cam straight-six produced 70 bhp. Only 76 were built across four body styles, and just 26 had the short-wheelbase chassis. This is one of those short cars, with six-light saloon coachwork by Carbodies of Coventry. The page says only a handful of short-chassis cars survive.

Chassis 18511 was built in 1931 but not registered as AWA 710 until June 1934. It was laid up in 1940 and stayed in storage for about 30 years. The current keeper bought it at auction in 1976 and has owned it for around 50 years. The page puts the mileage at 58,000, with about 5,200 miles covered since a full engine rebuild.

It is described as original, with its coachwork, number plate and patinated interior intact, and has new tyres. A large history file accompanies it, including factory records confirmed by the Lea-Francis owners' club.