Description:

1949 Lea-Francis 12/14 'Skelly' Special Formula 2 Sports-Racing Two-Seater.

Highlights

• Extensive period competition history, including Formula 2 race victories
• Ex Bill Skelly, with competition history including Goodwood 1950 and Silverstone 1951
• Unique two-seater developed by famous post-war racing names, purpose built competition special 
• Tested and developed by the famed Jaguar driver Norman Dewis
• Competition engine with new zero-mile gearbox and development dry sump 
• Continuous ownership history documented from new
• Ex Julian Majzub and Martin Overington
• Sold to our vendor in October 2018
• Lights and road wings currently fitted allowing for road use

The Appeal

In 1949, Lea Francis apprentice and aspiring racer William (Bill) Skelly embarked on an ambitious project, one designed to exploit the potential of the firm’s highly tunable 14 hp 4-cyl engine. To make it happen, he assembled a team that is a virtual ‘who’s who’ of post-war racing. Skelly was a student apprentice in 1949 and with the help from such people as John Wyer, Norman Dewis (chief tester at Lea-Francis, before his famous Jaguar career) and Albert Ludgate built up a Lea-Francis special designed for racing in 1949, based on the sports chassis 7089. The result was this car, the famous ‘Skelly Special.’ We are very proud to offer it to the open market.

Chassis 7089 was ordered through Rossleigh Ltd, Lea-Francis Glasgow agents, order number SRS192, invoice C9943, with the chassis being sent by rail on 7th March 1949. Notes on the delivery from the archive history of Lea-Francis (copy in file) note that the engine was to be collected by the customer separately.

Mr Skelly knew that a chassis length of 8 ft 3 inches was far too long for racing, so he shortened it to 7 ft 9 inches. The 1.6-litre 14hp twin cam engine side was left to Albert Ludgate,  the firm’s chief engineer, and Hugh Rose, Riley’s chief designer, who developed a marvellous a dry sump racing engine. This Lea-Francis special was identifiable by its iconic radiator grill, which was worked on by non other than racing driver Tom Delaney. 

Albert Ludgate,  John Wyer, motoring racing manager and ‘guru’ of Le Mans, designed the pretty, sleek body. Finally, Norman Dewis, who would later find real fame at Jaguar, did the testing and development.  

The car was entered into the 1950 Formula 2 race at Blandford Forum, and driven by Ted Lund, it finished on top, in 1st place. Skelly had painted the car red (the same colour as it presents today) but was apparently ordered to paint it green for the 1950 Handicap Race at the Ulster Trophy Meeting. Luckily, the green colour scheme didn't slow the car and it finished as high as 6th Place. The car also took part in the 1950 Isle of Man TT Manx Cup, Dundrod, and the Whitsun Trophy at Goodwood, finishing 6th.

The cars extensive period competition history also notably includes Goodwood in March 1951, and again at the Manx Cup in 1951. The car finished very respectable 4th at Silverstone in heat 1 of the International Trophy meeting 1951. After much competition successes Mr Skelly decided to move on from the Lea-Francis, and it was sold in 1952 to Colin Escott, the cousin of Frank Sytner. The car is believed to have inspired Ken McAlpine to build the Connaught A-type Grand Prix car. The car changed hands once more in 1964 before being sold again around 1980. The paperwork lists continuous ownership history. 

The car has formed part of some significant worldwide collections within the last 20 years. Ivan Dutton brokered a deal with Julian Majzub in 2003; the car then passed to Martin Overington before being sold to our vendor in 2018.

Recent work includes a rebuild of the engine and gearbox. We are told it has covered ‘zero miles’ since completion, but that re-commissioning is advised before embarking of further competition due to longer term storage with the current owner. 

This unique car is well-known in collector circles. Its history and significance are as compelling as its evocative style. It would be wonderful to witness it participating in blue chip events once again. 

History and Paperwork

• Chassis 7089 ordered through Rossleigh Ltd, Lea-Francis Glasgow agents, in March 1949
• DVLA records first registration 15th June 1953
• DVLA records four registered keepers
• Chassis number 8602 
• Purpose-built by Lea Francis apprentice and racer William Skelly in 1949 
• Built with assistance from an important team of engineers, detailed below 
• Competition history from 1949-1951 is detailed below 
• Formula 2 victories and participation in the Isle of Man TT
• Summary of ownership history below 
• Current keeper since 2018
• Original buff logbook present
• Expired HTP paperwork for Period E
• Large history file with competition notes and results
• Continuous ownership history documented with paperwork on file
• Photographs, newspaper clipping and other older history shown in photos 
• Some spares included as shown 
• Various typed and handwritten notes about history in photos and summarised below 

Built by: 

• William ‘Bill’ Skelly - Lea Francis apprentice and racer - oversaw project
• Tom Delaney - racing driver - designed radiator, sump and fuel tank 
• Albert Ludgate - Chief Engineer Lea Francis - engine work 
• Hugh Rose - Chief Designer Riley - engine work 
• John Wyer - Motor Racing Manager/Le Mans ‘guru’ - designed body 
• Norman Dewis - Lea Francis test driver - development and testing 

Race history summary (more details in photos and below): 

1949: 

• Noness Hill Climb

1950: 

• Tourist Trophy 
• Blandford
• Rest And Be Thankful 
• Goodwood 
• Manx Cup 
• Dunrod

1951: 

• Goodwood 
• Wakefield Trophy 
• Ulster Trophy 
• Manx Cup 
• Gamston

1952:

• Silverstone International 

The vendor says: 

“As a period build competition special, 'Skelly' offers its new custodian the chance to own a Formula 2 Open-Two-Seater which is hugely eligible for worldwide road and race competition, having formed part of some significant collections, “'7098' is also offered with wings and lights, allowing for road use."

The Condition

• Currently finished in red, the colour applied by Skelly in 1950
• Chassis shortened from 8 ft 3 inches to 7 ft 9 inches for racing purposes
• Minor age to paintwork, such as stone chips and small marks 
• Minimal period-correct bodywork and identifiable Lea-Francis radiator grille
• Wings and lights fitted and included for road use
• The vendor informs us the car has been well-maintained throughout its life
• Well-detailed interior with dual cowl engine-turned dashboard and Jaeger dials 
• Aero screen and four-spoke sprung wheel 
• Painted wire wheels in good condition with light marks to note 
• Fitted with period Dunlop Racing tyres all round 

Built on a shortened chassis, the sleek, streamlined bodywork was developed by Le Mans expert John Wyer, whose motoring racing experience is obvious in its aerodynamic lines. Now repainted in the red that was originally chosen by Bill Skelly.

The condition is impressive. There are a few minor stone chips and marks to note, but certainly not unsightly. Inside a set of classic Jaeger dials are set into an engine-turned dial cowl aluminium dashboard facing two black bucket seats. 

The Mechanics

• Lea-Francis 1.6-litre (1,674cc) 14hp 4cyl twin-cam engine 
• Twin SU carburettors 
• Four-speed manual gearbox 
• Competition engine developed by Albert Lugate and Hugh Rose to dry sump racing specification 
• New zero miles gearbox fitted
• Wings and lights included for road use
• Eligible for worldwide historic road and race competition

The potential of Lea Francis’ 14hp 1.6 L twin-cam engine was the inspiration for the Skelly Special. To exploit it, Bill turned to the firm’s Chief Engineer and Riley’s Chief Designer. They evolved the motor to a dry-sump racing specification. It clearly proved effective as the car was highly competitive in early racing, including Formula 2. 

We are told that the car’s engine and four-speed manual gearbox have been rebuilt. Both have covered few, if any, miles since fitment. After a period of storage recommissioning is advised.  The car is ideally suited to historic racing events but is also usefully road-legal.  

** Interested parties should note this lot is currently on view near Winchester, Hampshire. Vehicles must be collected by 28th March 2026 (subject to payment of the lots). From 28th March, vehicle storage charges apply to the buyer. 

Charges: £ 14 + VAT for the first 14 days. Thereafter, £ 50 + VAT per car per week. 

Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their lot(s) at the time of collection. **

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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