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THE FINAL PRODUCTION ACE OF SPADES, UNFINISHED AND OFFERED DIRECTLY BY FORMER LEA-FRANCIS OWNER, BARRIE PRICE

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  • CCA’s forthcoming sale will see chassis #5506, the final Lea-Francis production car, go under the hammer
  • Offered directly from former Lea-Francis owner, Barrie Price
  • The rare car had its build suspended in 1990 and as it was never recommenced, the car is unfinished
  • To be offered late September, without reserve, at Stoneleigh Park

Classic Car Auctions (CCA) next sale will see a hugely rare car form part of the catalogue, the final production Ace of Spades which remains unfinished and is offered directly from the former Lea-Francis Cars Ltd owner, Barrie Price.

Mr Price, a Midlands engineer and entrepreneur, purchased the company in 1962 and in 1980 he and his friend, the late Peter Engelbach, decided to produce a new car and launched the distinctive '3-litre Sports' using a ladder-type box-section chassis frame, with a hand-crafted aluminium body. At the 1992 Motor Show a longer version was shown, which revived the name Ace of Spades. 

Five Ace of Spades were built to order in either short or long chassis configuration. The car offered here by CCA is the sixth and final example, chassis #5506. Its build was suspended in 1990 and therefore has remained unfinished its entire life. Accompanying the car is a letter of provenance from Mr Price which details his intentions to sell the car, as well as a fitted brass plaque which confirms the chassis and engine numbers.

Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented: “This is a rare opportunity, and we are delighted to offer chassis #5506 on behalf of Mr Price in our Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show Sale. Whilst the car requires a degree of work, finishing it is both exciting and special as it is one of just six!”.

Significantly, the Ace of Spades will be offered without reserve, on Saturday 25th September at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The CCA website not only details a series of photographs but a video from David Harper to which focuses on the car as well as featuring Mr Price too.

There are many more examples now live on Classic Car Auctions website now. To submit an entry alongside this one, please contact Classic Car Auctions today on 01926 640888 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure you don’t miss out.

FAQ's

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How much does it cost to buy a car at an auction?

Buyer's premium is charged at 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl. VAT) on the hammer price.     Some lots may be VAT qualifying and subject to VAT on the hammer. Some lots may have been brought into the UK on a temporary admission and therefore import VAT will be due the hammer. price and buyer's premium. These lots will be clearly marked in the catalogue. Any lots that are not VAT qualifying will be sold using the Auctioneers Margin Scheme (VAT Notice 718/2). VAT cannot be split out on the invoice and cannot be reclaimed by UK VAT registered businesses or individuals. There will be no VAT payable on the buyer's premium on purchases under the Auctioneers Margin Scheme if the lot is being exported to the EU within three months of the auction date and proof of export is provided. Further duties and VAT may be applicable on exporting lots from the UK. It is the responsibility of the buyer to settle these charges.

What about VAT?

Some lots may be VAT qualifying and subject to VAT on the hammer. Some lots may have been brought into the UK on a temporary admission and therefore import VAT will be due on the hammer price plus buyer's premium. These lots will be clearly marked in the catalogue. Any lots that are not VAT qualifying will be sold using the Auctioneers Margin Scheme (VAT Notice 718/2). VAT will not be charged on the hammer price. The VAT on the buyers premium will not be split out on the invoice and cannot be claimed by UK VAT registered businesses or individuals. There will be no VAT payable on the buyers premium on purchases under the Auctioneers Margin Scheme if the lot is being exported to the EU within 3 months of the auction date and proof of export is provided. Further duties and VAT may be applicable on exporting lots from the UK. It is the responsibility of the buyer to settle these charges.