Highlights

One of only 89 produced, with the rarer factory-fitted high-lift cam engine found in fewer than half of production
Body-off restoration carried out by the current owner
Arnott Supercharger included, originally fitted by a former owner who was an RAF pilot in the mid-1950s
Getrag 265 five-speed manual gearbox fitted
In current ownership since 2024, with an extensive history file documenting the rebuild

The Appeal

Battle-hardened servicemen returning from the Second World War wanted something exciting to fill the gap left by six years of conflict. The closest thing an RAF pilot could experience to flying a 400mph fighter-bomber in civilian life was a new sports car. That's why several British marques prospered during those challenging early-post-war years. Among the lesser-known was Lea Francis. With just 89 examples produced, the 2.5 Sports occupies rarefied territory, and this particular car is rarer still: it is one of fewer than 45 fitted with the factory high-performance, high-lift camshaft engine.

Our car's story is a fascinating one. It had been owned by an RAF pilot in period, and they had further enhanced its performance through the fitment of an Arnott Supercharger. This unit accompanies the car, and while not currently installed, it has been rebuilt and is presented in a period WW2 ammunition box. As it stands, the car runs on its original twin SU carburettors and, we're told, starts easily, sounds good, and provides lively performance.

Purchased by its fifth registered keeper in 1972, the car underwent an engine rebuild before being laid up in a dry garage for over four decades. The current owner acquired the car in 2024 and undertook a body-off restoration, bringing it back to the road with its aluminium bodywork repainted in the original colour and the chassis found to be exceedingly solid. The interior has been extensively restored using leather to match the original, while the green leather seats are retained. A practical upgrade sees the original Armstrong Siddeley gearbox replaced with a Getrag 265 five-speed unit.

For fans of rare post-war British sports cars, this Lea Francis comes with fascinating provenance, a coveted factory specification, and is presented in very good condition.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1950 in the United Kingdom
Purchased by the previous owner as the fifth registered keeper in 1972
Current owner since 2024
Stored in a dry garage from 1972 until 2024; the engine was rebuilt in 1972, but not started until the current owner acquired the car
Extensive history file documents the engine rebuild, including new pistons, crankshaft re-grinding, and new white metal bearings
The odometer has reportedly gone around the clock and shows 7,788 miles; the estimated actual reading is 100,788 miles (unwarranted)
MOT and road tax exempt
V5C present

The Condition

Aluminium bodywork repainted in its original colour; the vendor states this has been done to a very high standard
Most of the brightwork has been re-chromed
Steel chassis is reported to be in very good order
Floors replaced with galvanised sheet steel
Convertible roof and tonneau cover are new mohair
Original semaphore trafficators are working alongside new discrete flashers
Original green leather seats are in fair condition
Interior restored using leather to match the original, including door cards
All instruments are present and working
Retro modern radio fitted, providing DAB and Bluetooth
Previous owner had all steel parts dipped and passivated, which are reported to be in good condition
Wheels were refurbished by the previous owner and fitted with five brand new Pirelli Cinturato tyres, which have never been on the road and still have moulding pips on the tread
Tyres are 54 years old; an expert has advised they are acceptable, but the new owner may wish to replace them

The Mechanics

2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with five gears (Getrag 265 unit, replacing the original Armstrong Siddeley gearbox)
Factory-fitted high-performance, high-lift cam version of the engine, reputed to increase power from 105 bhp to approximately 125 bhp
Fewer than 50% of the 89 cars produced had this upgraded engine
The Getrag 265 provides five synchromesh gears with an overdrive fifth, replacing the original gearbox which is known for being unable to withstand the high torque of the 2.5-litre engine
Runs on the original twin SU carburettors
Arnott Supercharger has been repaired but is not currently fitted; included with the car along with a newly painted side panel incorporating a bulge to accommodate the supercharger pulley
The vendor reports the engine starts easily, sounds good, and provides lively performance

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