Description
The Lea-Francis S-Type Hyper, introduced in 1928, was a British sports car known for being one of the earliest supercharged production cars. Lea-Francis, a manufacturer specializing in high-quality, performance-focused vehicles, designed the S-Type Hyper to compete in racing and attract enthusiasts seeking a high-performance road car.
The Hyper was powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder Meadows engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, which enabled it to produce around 60-80 horsepower—a significant output for a small car of its time. This supercharged engine allowed the S-Type Hyper to achieve impressive speeds, making it competitive in motorsport events. It had a top speed of around 90 mph, which was outstanding for a 1920s road car, and was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission for precise control.
The S-Type Hyper’s lightweight body and stiff chassis contributed to its nimble handling. Its design featured a compact, streamlined body with a low stance, wire-spoke wheels, and a two-seat configuration, giving it a sporty look. The car’s performance was put to the test in the 1928 Ulster TT (Tourist Trophy) race, where it became the first British supercharged production car to win, marking a major achievement for both Lea-Francis and British motorsport.
The Lea-Francis S-Type Hyper remains a significant piece of automotive history, valued by collectors for its pioneering use of supercharging and its success in early racing events. Today, it is regarded as an icon of pre-war British sports car engineering.