For Sale: 1974 Jensen-Healey JH5 in Henderson, Nevada

Today, the two-seater Jensen-Healey sports car is considered to be highly collectible, but because of their limited number, finding one is a challenge.

Between 1972 and 1976, Jensen Motors Ltd which was located in Bromwich, England, produced the two-set convertible sports car called the Jensen-Healey. The good-looking, low-slung car was positioned in the market between the Triumph TR-6 and the Jaguar E-Type. The production of the Austin-Healey 3000 had ended in 1967 and Donald Healey had aspirations of replacing the car with a sports model that would meet US safety standards. He had discussions with Jensen Motors who had built the bodies of the Austin Healey cars. At the same time, the largest Austin Healey dealer in the US was Kjell Qvale who was based in San Francisco. He was also interested in finding a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000. As it turned out, Qvale would become the major shareholder of Jensen Motors. The Jensen-Healey was developed in a joint venture with Donald Healey who was now the chairman of Jensen Motor Company. The Jensen Healey would be designed to be easy to repair with not-on panels to help keep insurance premiums at a minimum. The car, of course, was designed to meet the new US safety standards.

Various engines were considered for the car. US emissions requirements played a major role in the search for an acceptable engine. Vauxhall, Ford and BMW units were considered but were found to be unacceptable for various reasons. Colin Chapman of Lotu came forward with his company's new 1973cc Lotus 907 dual overhead cam 16 valve all-alloy engine. The engine put out 144 brake horsepower and reached 119 mph while accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 8.1 seconds. It was able to pass US emissions standards with dual side-draft single throat CD175 Zenith Stromberg carburetors. The Mark 1 cars experienced problems and received a poor review from Road & Track Magazine in 1972. However, in August 1973, an improved version of the car, the Mark 2, was released. The low-slung sportster displayed good handling and balance characteristics, with the ability to hand turns with poise. By 1974, the factory was putting out 86 cars a day.

The Jensen Motors factory ran a team in the US in the SCCA D production class in 1973. The Jensen-Healey went on to win the class in its first year of racing. They went on to win the SCCA D production class for 5 consecutive years.

Current estimates today are that there are fewer than 100 Jensen-Healeys on the road in the UK. An unknown number are in the US. The Jensen-Healey factory closed in 1976 due to factory strikes, the oil crisis and inflation.

The Jensen-Healey production numbers have been well documented. Between July 1972 and May 1973, there were 3,356 cars manufactured. Between August 1973 and May 1976, 509 cars rolled off the assembly line.

This Jensen-Healey has new paint, new tires, new brakes, new exhaust, new interior, new top, new windshield, new chrome, new rubber, new timing belt, and more.

Do not miss out on this chance to own this rare British Sports Car that has been upgraded to a rally look spec. Lotus 907 I-4 120ci engine with Getrig 5 speed manual transmission.

This vehicle is located at Atomic Motors Classic Car Sales and Restorations in Henderson, NV just 20 mins from the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. Come down and see us or call Bill at 702-556-0888. We are on-line at www.atomicmotors.net

It is the responsibility of the buyer to either inspect the vehicle personally or via a 3rd party, to ensure satisfaction as to the condition and value, prior to purchase.