Vehicle Description
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.
