Lynx 5

An unsuccesful attempt by Lea-Francis to re-enter the sports car market.

 

 Engine: Ford 2,553cc, 107-149bhp
 Wheelbase: 8' 3"
Track 4' 4"

Unveiled at the 1960 Earls Court Motor Show after just six months’ hurried preparation, the Leaf-Lynx roadster followed a six year hiatus in car production at the Lea-Francis factory, as well as much financial uncertainty.

That this engineering feat could be achieved in such a short time is a tribute to the dedication of the factory staff who must have worked tirelessly to revive a 1948 tubular steel design for the 14hp Sports chassis, incorporate Dunlop disc brakes, design and build a rack and pinion steering rack, and adapt a Ford Zephyr engine and Triumph TR3 gearbox to fit. The final product showed considerable attention to detail, and no sign of the haste at which it was pressed into production.

Despite the high hopes of both staff and management, the somewhat unique styling of the Lynx failed to impress the car-buying public, and no orders were received. Three Lynx roadsters were built before Lea-Francis abandoned the project. It was unquestionably a very expensive project for the struggling factory, and doubtless contributed to the eventual closure of the factory.

The total production of three Leaf-Lynx roadsters have survived, all in Club members’ hands, and a further chassis was discovered in the USA and fitted with a skimpy body and cycle wings for racing.

We know everybody knows websites use cookies, but the law requires we interfere with your browsing and put a box here so you can tell us you know and permit us to use the cookies so the site functions as it should.