Highlights
- Recent £2,000 repaint
- Improved Mk2 car
- Rare Lotus-engined British sports car
- Thick history file back to 1974
- Tidy and very usable MGB alternative
The Appeal
It was an audacious gambit. Spotting a gap in the market left by the Austin Healey - which it had been building for Austin - and flush with the success of the Interceptor, British motoring minnow Jensen developed the car that would become the Jensen-Healey. It was a project that took just two years.
A sleek design provided good handling, decent boot space and a comfortable cabin. Power came from Lotus’ new twin cam 2litre engine. The new car had it all.
The Mk2 of 1973 rectified early reliability problems, but sales never recovered. That is a huge shame because a good Jensen-Healey can run rings round rivals from the UK and further afield.
Today the Jensen-Healey is a great informed choice for those looking for a two seater British sports car that is a little different. Moving out of the mainstream doesn’t mean sacrifices - later Mk2s like this one sorted the problems of the early cars and are well regarded by owners.
This 1973 car has recently been repainted in stand-out red and looks very usable. Prepared as a fast road and track by the previous owner, it has been well maintained with history going back to its first registration. Sparingly used by the seller, it may benefit from some light recommissioning, such as a service, but is said to run and drive very well. Is it time to discover one of British motoring’s hidden gems?
History and Paperwork
- First registered 2nd September 1974
- 10 registered keepers
- Seller reports that he acquired the car in 2017
- Thick history file that we are told dates back to 1974
- Dry stored by the seller and sparingly used
- VIN number 15988 corresponds to the 2,488th Mk2 off the line
- Set up by a previous keeper as a fast road and track car
- Fitted with a roll bar which can be removed prior to sale
- Previously painted orange which was changed in February 1988
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as Historic Vehicle
- Last MOT expired 8th June 2018 with 65,070 miles on test and no advisories
- Now showing 65,154 miles
The Condition
- Recently repainted in red with some further paint correction during seller’s tenure
- Paintwork generally presents well across the car but with some overspray visible
- Bodywork is generally very presentable with some deterioration to be expected
- Panel fit is mostly good with some misalignment of bonnet to note in photographs
- Underside appears to be in good order and the boot floor likewise
- Exterior fittings are complete with bumpers, lights and chrome in good order
- Original factory alloy wheels are presentable but show light overspray to rims and tyres
- Well kept and unmodified Mk2 interior with black leather piped red
- Seats are in good order with supportive shape
- Dashboard trim including switchgear and veneers in good order
- Original two-spoke Jensen-Healey steering wheel
- Fitted with a 80s era Panasonic radio cassette
- This is an apparently solid and very usable example of these rare cars
The Mechanics
- 1,973 Lotus twin cam engine delivering 144bhp
- Early Mk2 car with 4spd factory manual gearbox
- Cambelt has been replaced
- Carburettors rebuilt
- New battery
- Uprated gas shock absorbers and dampers
- No reported running or driving issues
- Extensive history file back to car’s early days
- Limited recent use means it may benefit from a check over and service
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
