- Only 85 produced

- Powerful engine, aluminum body

- The only “Deluxe” version

Building on its pre-war success, Lea Francis returned to the market in the late 1940s with an ambitious, hand-built sports car featuring a powerful 2.5L engine in an elegant aluminum body. More expensive than its rivals, and in a difficult environment, its success was modest, and only 85 units were produced, despite its build quality and performance.

This example was sold new in England in 1951, and is the only “Deluxe” version in existence, distinguished from the standard model by a beautiful walnut dashboard and door trim, larger door handles, rare period Lucas indicator units (instead of the standard trafficators) and chrome grilles above the side bonnet air vents. Discovered in England in excellent cosmetic condition in 2014, its current owner set out to rebuild the engine, the wiring and fitted a stainless steel free-flowing exhaust manifold. Having already restored 2 Lea Francis 2.5Ls, he made some vital improvements, such as fitting a modern 5-speed gearbox to replace the original, which was the model's weak point, and a Kenlowe fan. The carpets, double-duck hood and tonneau cover were also restored. The car is now in excellent working order and comes with the original jack and wheel nut wrench, as well as the original grease gun. This magnificent Lea Francis 2.5 Litre Sports 'Deluxe' boasts an extensive history file with period documents and invoices, as well as an extremely rare original owner's manual, original sales brochure, numerous invoices for parts and work, laminated service and oil charts and diagrams for the electrical wiring. Rare, powerful and elegant, this car is a subtle alternative to the traditional Jaguar XK 120. With independent front suspension, excellent shock absorbers and a fully synchronized 5-speed gearbox the car has very good road holding and great comfort, making it highly suitable for long distance travelling.