vintage-race
[Top] [All Lists]

Gertler Lea Francis Alloy Body (sounds better than Unknown!)

To: <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Subject: Gertler Lea Francis Alloy Body (sounds better than Unknown!)
From: "Baltimore Knife & Sword Co." <racecar@baltimoreknife.com>
Date: Wed, 2 May 2001 00:31:28 -0400
Following leads on  in the area this body was constructed, Lea Francis cars
raced at Watkins Glen (at least) on these dates.

Watkin Glen  seneca cup 9/15/51  car # 31 finished 20th. driven by Arthur
Iselin Jr / USA     Lea-francis type sport
                GP        9/15/51  car #31 finished 18th.  driven by Arthur
Iselin           

Watkins Glen Queen Catherine Cup 
                         9/23/50 car #11 DNS Peter Iselin/usa      H.R.G.
sports 
        seneca cup      9/17/50 car#46 10th. Peter Iselin/usa       H.R.G.
sports
        GP              9/17/50 car #48 Tom Cole/usa                 H.R.G.
sports
                                car #36 Jim Pauley/usa
Lea-Francis Sports

also 
Elkhart Lake 8/26/51  car # 109 Garrett Fuller/USA      Lea Francis (NOVICE
RACE)
                        car # 109 Arthur Iselin/USA             Lea Francis

does anyone have pics of cars in these races/dates?  It could be the car I'm
hunting or simply a stock Lea francis. these are the only races I have found
so far listing the cars.  I have added the HRG sports info only because of
the matching last names "ISELIN".   this name can't be too common!!  I was
unable to find, at this time, any other Lea-francis cars in USA races from
47-58

apparently Joe Gertler modified or built up to 200 cars at RACEWAY GARAGE at
2630 St Raymond Ave, in The Bronx, NYC (1938-73).  He also built an Aston
with a very similar body (but with a long droopy tail). Sorry to say but he
passed on in 1990. A shame not to have met him.

the pictures were marked on back by Joe as his re-bodied Lea Francis for Dr.
Ryan. No date has been found but there appears to be a Studebaker in the
background.  Any ideas?  I don't know the years they made that style of
Stude(bullet nose) but it might help a bit.

www.baltimoreknife.com/alloybody57.jpg

Also take a look at the wheels and caps.  ring any bells?  I just noticed
that the car has a tag on the rear!  I'll get the original looked at to see
if it is readable.  I thought the body had a 96" wheel base but I'll check
closer as a 2.5 liter lea-francis sports seems to have a 99" and I could be
wrong.

thanks guys, I have had many emails and everyone helps, even if its just a
pat on the back!  
Roland and I both appreciate everything,

Kerry Stagmer

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
  • Gertler Lea Francis Alloy Body (sounds better than Unknown!), Baltimore Knife & Sword Co. <=