Beschreibung
This car was created as a design exercise on a 1973 Jensen Healey to explore British and European styling possibilities by ignoring the restrictive American bumper regulations.
The starting point was a low mileage structurally sound car that required no chassis or structural repair.
The restyling was limited, with the exception of the wing side vents, to filling the vacant space left behind by the removal of the inelegant bumpers. The side vents were created to add sleekness.
The bumpers and over-riders were sourced from 1970’s cars. a Vauxhall Chevette and HC Viva. The front side lights are modern Bosch items.
The necessary bodywork alterations and additions were hand fabricated and the original front bumper top trim re-purposed as the chin spoiler.
A modern metallic paint was chosen to display the car’s excellent original shape now accentuated by the re-styling.
Subsequent to the original concept the ill fitting standard soft top gave rise to the idea of a fixed head coupe. This enabled better weather sealing and interior space. An after-market clip on hard top was upgraded to fit snugly and colour matched to the body. All seals were refined and up-sized. New mounting brackets made the top a snug fit. The top is now effectively permanent. A period correct sunroof has been installed to maintain an open air feel without the buffeting associated with roadsters.
The interior maintains the original seats dash and moulded floor mats but the surrounding trim has been re-styled as has the dash trim.
The boot has been trimmed in grey vinyl and a mounting provided in the lid for the glass sun roof to be stored when fully removed.
The car is used regularly during the summer for classic navigational tours and stored in a garage within a Carcoon Veloce when not in use.
Octane Magazine featured the car in issue 201 page 152 and The Jensen Owners Club also in their July/ August 2020 issue, page 18.
The mileage is currently just over 35000. I believe it to be correct judging by how the car drives and the lack of wear on the driver’s seat.
