Highlights
- Extensively rebuilt by TR Bitz in Warrington
- Upgraded with Lotus-Sunbeam 2.2 litre dry sumped engine producing 200+ bhp
- Comprehensive suspension and brake upgrades including 6-pot Wilwood calipers
- Only 28,507 miles recorded, believed to be correct
- Less than 500 miles covered since extensive modification
The Appeal
With their distinctive cowling and Lotus power burning in its belly, there's little wonder that the Jensen-Healey has earned its place as a true cult classic. Primarily conceptualised to fill the gap left by the end of the Austin-Healey, it was primarily the work of Hugo Poole - though the legendary William Towns often gets the credit for the finished car's low profile and US-friendly fittings.
It was a brave, well-considered machine, intended for the luxury sports segment with bolt-on panels that kept insurance premiums low and maintenance easy. Sadly, most agree it never hit its ultimate potential, and when the oil crisis put the Jensen Interceptor to bed, Jensen itself fell in short order. Only 10,503 cars, both MK1 and MK2, were ever built - and they've now become something of a retro showstopper.
This particular 1974 MK2, though, has been transformed into something distinctive - a comprehensively rebuilt, heavily upgraded roadster that combines classic styling with modern performance enhancements. Having been stored for 15 years before undergoing an extensive rebuild by respected classic car specialists TR Bitz in Warrington, this Jensen-Healey is a real once-in-a-lifetime spec and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the lucky enthusiast.
The vendor adds:
"This Jensen-Healey has been the subject to extensive professional modification/enhancement prior to a complete strip down and rebuild by TR Birz in Warrington, a very well established and respected classic car specialist.
It was a brave, well-considered machine, intended for the luxury sports segment with bolt-on panels that kept insurance premiums low and maintenance easy. Sadly, most agree it never hit its ultimate potential, and when the oil crisis put the Jensen Interceptor to bed, Jensen itself fell in short order. Only 10,503 cars, both MK1 and MK2, were ever built - and they've now become something of a retro showstopper.
This particular 1974 MK2, though, has been transformed into something distinctive - a comprehensively rebuilt, heavily upgraded roadster that combines classic styling with modern performance enhancements. Having been stored for 15 years before undergoing an extensive rebuild by respected classic car specialists TR Bitz in Warrington, this Jensen-Healey is a real once-in-a-lifetime spec and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the lucky enthusiast.
The vendor adds:
"This Jensen-Healey has been the subject to extensive professional modification/enhancement prior to a complete strip down and rebuild by TR Birz in Warrington, a very well established and respected classic car specialist.
Significant money has been spent to transform the car which was a low mileage standard car with only 28,507 miles recorded, believed to be correct. The car has been in storage for 15 years, It has covered less than 500 miles in its modified state.
Much of the work would suggest that the intended use was as a competition car, but there was no intention to use it in competition, I wished to retain it as road legal, so no roll cage, extinguisher system or other obvious competition items.
It drives super well and is very quick with the gearbox in particular being excellent."
History and Paperwork
- 1974 Jensen-Healey roadster
- The DVLA records 6 former keepers
- In storage for 15 years
- Only 28,507 miles recorded, believed to be correct
- Less than 500 miles covered since modification
- Rebuilt by TR Bitz in Warrington
- Owner's 5th Jensen-Healey
- Being sold as owner is moving abroad
- Eligible for Historic Taxation class (exempt from Road Tax, MOT Testing, Congestion & ULEZ charges)
- Comes with documentation file & current V5
- Original jack included
The Condition
- Back to bare metal respray in Ford frozen white
- Image split rim 8x17 front & 10x17 rear
- Bolt pattern converted to more popular Ford 108mm PCD
- All corrosion areas replaced with new panels or new metal
- Large bubble arches added
- Hardtop fitted
- Body structure and panels all sound
- Both doors replaced
- Sill/floor joint areas received special attention/replacement
- Boot and boot floor restored
- The vendor states the paintwork is in very good order
- Brand new seats with powder-coated frames, new foam and vinyl covers
- New door cards with leather trim
- New carpets
- New sun visors
- New mohair hood with rear cover
- Tonneau cover in standard vinyl
- Window control mechanisms in good working order
- Clocks appear worn but comes with a new set of electronic gauges
The Mechanics
- 2.2-litre Lotus-Sunbeam 4-cylinder dry sumped engine
- Engine believed to be from John Buffam's works rally Group 4 Lotus Sunbeam
- 5-speed Toyota Supra gearbox
- Weber Alpha ITB fuel injection
- Pace dry sump system
- Vernier cam pullies with mild spec camshafts
- Reported 200+ bhp on the dyno
- Late spec Esprit-type cylinder head
- Fabricated exhaust manifold with a single pipe system
- Pipercross filter included (needs new foam element)
- All hoses are silicone or braided
- Alloy bellhousing
- Hydraulic clutch conversion
- Rally spec Ford Baby Atlas rear axle with LSD
- Alloy finned rear cover providing mounting for Watts Linkage
- Axle located by 4 tubular trailing arms and long turreted coil over dampers
- Front suspension reworked with fabricated tubular top & bottom wishbones
- Compression struts & Leda 2.25" coil over dampers
- Steering rack and track rod position reworked to reduce bump steer
- Rear suspension is 6-linked axle with Watts linkage and turreted coil over dampers
- Large vented discs at the front with 6-pot Wilwood alloy calipers
- Braided hose throughout
- Rear converted from drums to large drilled discs & lightweight alloy 2-pot calipers
- Fabricated alloy fuel tank in boot
- Large dry sump oil tank with braided hose routing
- Fully recommissioned (brake system inspection, fluid changes, etc.)
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