The Jensen-Healey was conceived as a rival to the MGB, tinged with a hint of bitterness from Donald Healey because British Leyland had determined that it only needed one sports car brand. Austin-Healey was cast aside, MG retained.
So, Healey took his knowledge and understanding of sports cars across to the other side of town from Longbridge, to speak to West Bromwich-based Jensen. With an engine from Lotus adding further pedigree, the new Jensen-Healey sold over 10,000 units, making it the most popular Jensen ever made.
Today, a Jensen-Healey is not only notable for its rarity, but also for being one of the most interesting sports cars of its generation. This one is as cool as they come – lightly modified on the outside and ready to use and enjoy.
There isn’t much early history with the Jensen-Healey, but there are annual invoices for service and repair work at the car storage centre where it was kept for the past 14 years, along with a pile of old MOT certificates. The vendor is selling it simply because he has recently bought another Jensen-Healey and doesn’t need two.
Inside, the Jensen-Healey is in good, presentable order with its original black vinyl seats and matching door cards in good order. The six-dial dash is in decent condition and the carpets show only minor signs of wear.
The centre tunnel has been picked out in red to match the car’s exterior and an aftermarket stereo and gear knob have been fitted. A fire extinguisher lives behind the passenger seat.
It’s the looks that will sell this car. With subtly flared arches, alloy wheels, no bumpers and auxiliary front driving lamps, it’s a real looker.
The front end has been substantially modified to enable removal of the original black safety bumpers, while at the rear the back panel has been altered to accommodate four round taillights instead of the original rectangular units. At first glance, you can almost mistake it for a Ferrari.
It’s a good-looking car with smart red paintwork and no damage of any note, while the underside has had all welding repairs carried out as required in the past. There is some surface rust visible on the front valance.
The black soft-top is in decent order, apart from a small nick in the fabric on the left-hand lower deck and a small mark to the front left-hand corner.
The Jensen-Healey retains its original Lotus 2.0-litre OHC engine, which runs sweetly. It has recently had GAZ rear dampers fitted to improve the ride and handling.
The vendor reports that it sounds and looks good, and that it drives really well with no known or declared faults.
This is a really smart and tidy Jensen-Healey and the light modifications are subtle and tastefully done, making it the perfect candidate for using in classic events or motorsport. Alternatively, it’s just a very sound and usable example that’s ready to enjoy exactly as it is.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1973 Jensen Healey
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