Description
This model, the last of the real Coventry built Lea-Francis cars, used a high-torque 2. 5 Litre “Big Four” engine which delivers 108 bhp at 4000 rpm and a top speed of over 90 MPH. However, as the production costs of these high quality cars rose even further, manufacturing came to a definitive halt in late 1953 after only 78 cars had been produced.
But the sheer quality of these very exclusive sports cars is reflected in the number that still exist today - more than 50%, which is a better survival rate than any other car of the period.
This example, chassis number 5160, initially served as a test/ demonstration car for the Lea-Francis Works.
In 1953 the car was prepared for the 1000 mile race but was, for unknown reasons, withdrawn, totally recommissioned, repainted in Old English White and privately sold.
A full owner history of the car is given in the 2. 5 Litre Sports register and the car comes with an extensive history file with buff logbook and some very early invoices.
The car benefits from a total body-off restoration, carried out between 2011 and 2015 after which the car has only been very sparingly driven (ca 1500 miles). This restoration, although aiming to keep the car as original as possible, included a few useful improvements such as an alternator (in original dynamo housing) and a more efficient radiator core.
In 2020 the car again underwent an extensive engine-out recommissioning (which also included full re-wiring, brake, clutch/ gearbox and suspension service) and is now once again 100% road ready.
Like all 2. 5 Litre L-F’s this car accelerates and drives surprisingly fast, is able to reach a top speed of 140Km/ h yet is very comfortable and suitable for long journeys, easily keeping up with modern traffic. Lea- Francis Post-war car production recommenced in 1946 with updated vehicles based on the pre-war designs but the newly designed “14 hp” Saloon and Sports became popular, if expensive because they were hand-built, unlike their main competitor the Jaguar XK which were mass produced and could be offered at a lower price. Still, in 1950 an improved and larger engined open sports car with wind-up windows, independent front suspension, hydraulic front brakes and other refinements was introduced.
