Highlights

Rare and original early Jensen-Healey with factory alloys
Lotus 907 engine with upgraded 4spd overdrive gearbox
Regularly serviced by The Classic Collective in Bicester since July 2024
Mappable 123ignition system and ethanol safe fuel lines fitted 2024
New clutch and MOT in Oct 2025
Driven 6000+ miles
Solid, rust-free underside with no welding required

The Appeal

The vendor says:

"Ahead of its time, the Jensen-Healey was the first production car equipped with a DOHC 16 valve motor. It put out 144bhp and had a top speed in excess of 120mph. Jensen made little over 10,000 Jensen-Healeys, only 2020 of which were for the UK market, making this a rare car. But parts and spares are readily available as the running gear is all Vauxhall Firenze, the gearbox is that of the Sunbeam Alpine, engine is Lotus Esprit and bodywork is all still available."

This car proves how good a well-sorted Jensen-Healey can be. It is an early Mk1 that the vendor acquired in 2024. He has since covered 5,000 miles without fault.

Much of that reliability is likely down to the preparation and servicing work by Classic Collective of Bicester. It is said to be largely original, including the rare factory alloys, but benefits from an upgraded 4spd gearbox that features overdrive. This delivers a longer final drive than the later 5spd manual cars and is said to deliver relaxed cruising at 80mph according to the seller. Obviously, he is referring to Continental roads…

A well-sorted Jensen-Healey will run rings around more common two-seat British rivals. This car has the originality, recent use and upgrades to make it very appealing.

The vendor says:

“The car is wonderful to drive. These are very rare cars. Most of the ones advertised are either in need a lot of work and money or have already been restored and will fetch a lot of money. This one is the exception.

“It wears its 50-year-old patina well, and it is fit to drive all over the country with confidence. The induction roar is addictive but not offensive, it has turned me into a boy racer. It attracts admirers everywhere I go.”

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History and Paperwork

First registered 1st August 1973
Previous owner kept it for over 30 years
Acquired by current keeper in June 2024
Previously stored for many years and barely used prior to current ownership
Fully serviced by Classic Collective at Bicester on purchase
Owner has driven over 6,000 miles since purchase
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle
VIN number 12727
Folder of history as shown
Workshop manual
Photographs and early marketing brochures
Previously voluntary MOT ran to July 2024 with no advisories

The Condition

Vendor describes car as very original and unrestored
Presents well in photos with bright, even paintwork in good order
Some light age to note to panels as shown but appears largely cosmetic
Superficial blemishes consistent with the patina of an unrestored 70s car
Vendor reports that there is no welding or rust underneath
No structural advisories on last MOT in July 2023
Fitted with Jensen original alloy wheels in unrestored, lightly aged condition
Matching Uniroyal tyres showing good tread and sidewall condition
Black vinyl interior with red piping in good, original condition
Recently fitted with new seatbelts
All instruments work according to seller
We are told that the speedometer is inaccurate, as is typical of items of this era
Car is fitted with removable GPS digital speedometer discreetly mounted by steering column
Black folding roof with matching tonnea
Roof Perspect screen shows some deterioration in photos

The Mechanics

Race-derived 1,973cc twin cam Lotus 907 engine
4-speed transmission
Brand new clutch
Original Chrysler gearbox upgraded to overdrive version
Vendor notes that overdrive delivers higher top gear than Mk2's 5-speed ZF
We are told that the car can cruise comfortably at 80mph
Cheap and easy to maintain according to seller
Features standard Vauxhall Firenza and Sunbeam Alpine components
All fuel lines replaced to handle E5 petrol
123usb distributor fitted
Engine mounts replaced
Serviced by Classic Collective in Bicester in 2024 alongside the above parts
Described by seller as a thoroughly usable, fun classic sports car that is also reliable

BEFORE YOU BUY
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