Description
General
This recently restored Lea Francis 2. 5 Sports is one of the best surviving examples in terms of performance, appearance and originality. It is a matching numbers car and comes with its original number plate (HGG 3). Only about 89 2. 5 sports were made and this is one of the few that left the factory with the high performance high-lift cam engine. The car comes with a comprehensive history file.
Bodywork
• All aluminium bodywork over a steel chassis, bulkhead and rear structure.
• Subject to a high quality professional re-paint in a colour similar to the original (gun grey)
• New galvanised steel floors.
• Most brightwork re-chromed
• New mohair hood and tonneau (Hood folds away completely into rear of car).
Interior
• Original leather seats
• New leather trim to door-cards etc. - same style as original
• Full set of working instruments
• New wool carpets
Mechanical
• Original engine (No. S5175)
• Left the factory with the high performance, high lift cam engine. Fewer than 20% had this engine, which is claimed to increase power from 105 bhp to around 125 bhp.
• Significant work took place on re-building the engine in the 1970s – new pistons, re-ground crankshaft, new valves, bearings etc. Engine then not actually started until 2025!
• Virtually all steel components dipped and passivated – so no rust.
Upgrades and Extras
• Electronic ignition and new voltage regulator
• Retro DAB radio with hands-free Bluetooth
• Traffic indicators use original semaphores plus new flashers discretely placed in existing light fittings.
• Gearbox replaced by the desirable Getrag 265. (The original Armstrong Siddeley sourced gearbox is well-known to be the Achille’s heel of 2. 5s. The torque output of the “big four” engine is too much for it, and some cars are known to have had five or six boxes.) The Getrag is smoother, quieter, fully synchromesh and has an “overdrive” fifth gear. Greatly improves the driving experience. Original box available if required.
• Arnott Supercharger. This was fitted to the car by the third owner (an RAF pilot) in the mid -fifties. This was supplied with the car in pieces and has been repaired and refurbished. It comes with an additional painted body panel that contains a bulge to accommodate the drive pulley. Probably takes the power up to 150 bhp? (Never tried - and car currently running on original twin SUs)The car drives very well with lots of torque. The Getrag gearbox is smooth and quiet and the fifth gear greatly improves the driving experience at higher speeds.
I believe the mileage is probably 107 810. I am the sixth owner. The third owner (who fitted the Supercharger in the fifties) was from an interesting family.
The car creates a great deal of interest and the unusual looking, and fairly unique, engine is a great talking point. It was designed by the ex. Riley engineer Hugh Rose and is a high twin-cam.
I should point out that the car came with five brand-new Pirelli Cinturato Tyres that had never been used on the road. The problem is that they were new in 1972! (Cost £55. 00) The car remained in a dark garage for 52 years. They are pliable and contain no cracks or flat-spots. I consulted an expert and was advised to try them. They have behaved like new tyres, but a new owner may wish to replace them - as they are 54 years old!
