Highlights
- One of just 180 right hand drive Mk2s, a rare JH-5 model
- Fully restored in early 1990s
- Recent mechanical refresh
- Removable hardtop, with a new convertible hood to be installed
The Appeal
When production of the successful Austin Healey 3000 was coming to an end in 1970 American Healey dealer Kjell Qvale was looking for a new two seat sports car to sell to American buyers hungry for a contemporary British sports. The deal between Austin and Donald Healey had come to an end, so Qvale became a shareholder in Jensen Motors and partnered with Donald Healey to produce the new Jensen Healey. Hunting around for a suitable engine that would pass the tightening American smog legislation they decided upon the technically advanced but unproven Lotus 907 engine with multiple valves. With 1,973cc producing a healthy 144hp, it could propel the Jensen from 0-60mph in a quick 8.1 seconds, and onwards to 119mph which was impressive performance at that time.
Jensen went on to build just less than 10,000 convertibles between 1972 and 1976 in two versions. The Mk2 variant was introduced in 1974 with some upgrades from the previous version; an improved interior, 5 speed Getrag gearbox, better rear brakes and a strengthened engine block.
Only 2020 Jensen convertibles were produced in right hand drive as the majority, a further 6,000, went to the USA.
This 1975 built example is one of just 180 Mk2s made in right hand drive as UK market cars, badged as a JH-5 model. According to Jensen aficionados JH-5s have a few minor differences the majority of Mk2s that have the regular “J” badge on the lower front wing. Quite why they have JH-5 and a Union flag motif is not known, but it may have been to promote them as “Made in Britain” for the export market.
Offered in full working order this Jensen has covered less that average miles, and was the subject of a full restoration in 1992-3 that has lasted well. With just 3,500 miles covered since the restoration was completed it was recently treated to a mechanical refresh with new timing belt and a full service completed in July last year. The good history folder includes plenty of old MoTs that corroborate the mileage. This is a very smart example, complete with a removable hardtop, plus a new fabric hood still in its packaging ready to be installed along with its original hood frame in good condition.
The History and Paperwork
- Built by Jensen Motors, West Bromwich in 1975
- Rare JH-5 Mk2 in right hand drive, UK market car, one of just 180 manufactured
- First registered and used as dealer demonstrator by BEWAC Motors in June 1975
- Sold to first private owner in 1979
- Original sales invoice on file
- Original Trio radio/cassette manual and guarantee
- Lots of old MoTs on file
- Earliest MoT from 1979 @33,227 miles
- MoT from 2009 at 56,192 miles
- Major restoration by second private owner, with replacement floors, sills and chassis parts
- Notes from second owner (1979-2014) documenting work completed during restoration in 1992-3
- 3,500 miles covered since restoration was completed
- 3 old V5s in second owner’s name
- V5c in last private owner’s name
- Recent mechanical recommissioning including cam belt and tensioner, filters and plugs etc in July 2022 with no miles since
- Tax, MoT and ULEZ exempt
The Interior
- Black interior in nicely original and tidy condition
- Black vinyl seats, small split in base of passenger seat, but otherwise presentable
- Black carpets covered with four Jensen rubber mats
- Rear shelf area lined with matching clean black carpet
- Removable hardtop with clean white roof lining
- Smart and functional Mk2 dash with wood effect, all in good condition
- All original gauges, appear to function correctly with just age related wear
- Original two spoke steering wheel with large Jensen Motors centre badge
- Pioneer radio/cassette
- Gearstick marked with 5 speed including dog-leg 1st gear
- Tidy boot space lined with black carpet, black fuel tank with exposed fuel pump and fiter
- Jack, with spare wheel, part-worn Pirelli tyre, mounted beneath car
The Exterior
- Tidy and presentable Jensen yellow paintwork
- Arrow straight side strips and good panel gaps
- All glass and lenses in great condition
- Removable hardtop covered with black vinyl, no notable damage
- Brand new convertible hood still in packaging, with original hood frame requires fitting
- Smart Jensen 13 inch alloy wheels with correct centre caps and no curb marks
- Lightly worn matching set of Firestone tyres
- Mk2 impact bumpers front and rear with no major scuff marks
- Dual exhaust
- Rare JH-5 badges with Union flag, all trim in good condition
The Mechanics
- Advanced Lotus 907 1,973cc DOHC 16v engine, 144bhp
- Dual European market DelOrto carburettors
- Five speed Getrag gearbox with dog leg first gear
- No evidence of oil or water leaks
- Notably clean and presentable engine bay
- Recent mechanical refurbishment and service with new cam belt and filters
- New Bosch battery
- Clean, solid and corrosion free underside
- New exhaust silencer with dual tail pipes
- Sills, floors and some chassis parts replaced as part of restoration in early 1990s
- Just 3,500 miles covered since restoration was completed
- Runs and drives nicely, with good power and no reported issues
Summary
According to internet sources there are about 250 Jensen Healeys left on the road in the UK, many of which are US imports. We’d have to ask how many of the original 2000 right hand drive UK market cars have not succumbed to the dreaded tinworm; not many we reckon.
Restored at a time when values dictated such expense wasn’t a wise investment it is a testament to its second owner who meticulously restored it. In rare JH-5 specification, with five speed gearbox and improved interior, this Mk2 example has to be one of the best around.
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