Launched in 1949, the Lea Francis 2.5-liter Sports was basically the old Sports with a larger body and some suspension developments (hydraulic since 1952) and brakes. Equipped with a 2496cc in-line 4-cylinder engine that could deliver 100-105 horsepower, the 2.5-liter was a 2 + 2, which the manufacturer intended to be a plus over competing Jaguar XK120 or Riley Roadster. 77 copies were produced until 1953.