Here we have the unsung hero of the classic British roadsters, the Jensen Healey, a 1974 JH5 edition with the desirable five speed gearbox. Never heard of it? You're not alone. Only 10,503 of them were built between 1972 and 1976.
The Jensen Healey was positioned between the smaller less powerful MGB and Triumph TR6 and the famous Jaguar XKE. As such its passenger compartment is more spacious and luxurious than the former and more on par with the latter. These are very comfortable cars and are more suitable for taller drivers than just about any roadster of that era from England, Italy, Germany or the USA.
But what really sets the JenHe apart is the incorporation of the Lotus 907 double overhead cam slant four cylinder engine that produced 144 horsepower and happily revved to 7000 rpm. This engine, installed in the car's highly capable chassis which sports double wishbone coilover front and semi trailing arm rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and front disc brakes. That gave the JenHe the goods to explode onto the sports car racing scene. In fact the JenHe is the only D Production Class entry to win the SCCA championship in its inaugural season. To prove it was no fluke it followed up the very next year repeating as D Class champion. Again in the 1995 season JenHe's were famously resurrected by Huffaker Racing to win against the Porsches in the E Production Class at Sears Point.
Alas the JenHe's run was all too short. Like many boutique car manufacturers the financial challenge of keeping pace with emissions, safety standards and the public's interest proved too great to carry on. But in the case of the Jensen Healey, its legendary racing history, desirable proportions, uncommon creature comforts and rarity make it an intriguing option for the open top roadster enthusiast.
This JenHe is a fine driver quality example and is believed to have less than 38,000 original miles. It has an older paint job with some chips, scuffs and crazing. The interior is very nice. All lighting and instrumentation is in working order as is the four speaker bluetooth stereo. Windows move up and down easily. It has a new soft top, a hard top in very good condition and a roll bar should you decide to track your new JenHe.
This JenHe runs strong and makes some glorious sounds. It steers and stops as it should. Perhaps most importantly this JenHe is solid with no rust or rot to be found; its as solid an example as you will find.
Having been underappreciated for so long, Jensen Healeys are a fantastic classic car value. Parts are readily available and the ownership community, though small is very active and provide a great resource for maintaining and improving your JenHe.
This Jensen Healey is located in Rowlett, Texas and is offered as is where is. Low ballers, scammers and sales assistants need not apply. No trades or financing. Call, text or reply.
