Description
Do you want to ride something special, but still affordable? Then read the story about Jensen-Healey and specifically this one.
This car is one of the better restored examples of the approximately 3, 000 to 5, 000 Jensen-Healeys still in existence, of which only 10, 500 were eventually produced.
The car is registered in the Netherlands (Baarle-Nassau) and has a Belgian registration.
This car was originally delivered to the USA in 1974 and found its way back to Europe (Belgium) in 1992 by the current owner, where it has been fully restored: The rust-free bodywork was completely dismantled and repainted in its original colour, the interior and softtop including persenning were renewed. Technically, all moving parts and rubber parts have been replaced.
Specifications:
Lotus 907 2L engine with double overhead camshafts and 16 valves with 145HP
Top speed: 200km/ h
Acceleration: 0-100m in 8. 1s
Getrag 5-speed gearbox
Stainless steel exhaust system
New half leather
Perfect hardtop
The car has recently had an extensive Belgian inspection and is therefore exempt from inspection in Belgium for 5 years.
The engine has recently undergone a complete overhaul, carried out by a Dutch Jensen specialist.
This car is a fantastic driver's car, with plenty of torque and a fantastic sound.
Jensen-Healey history
The Jensen-Healey is a British two-seater convertible sports car produced by Jensen Motors Ltd. in West Bromwich, England, from 1972 to 1976.
Launched in 1972 as a luxury convertible sports car, it was positioned between the Triumph TR6 and the Jaguar E-Type. A related fastback model, the Jensen GT, was introduced in 1975.
Design
When production of the Austin-Healey 3000 ended, Donald Healey began talks with Jensen Motors, who had built the bodies for the Austin-Healey cars. The largest Austin-Healey dealer in the U. S., Kjell Qvale of San Francisco, was also looking for a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000; Qvale became a major shareholder of Jensen, leading Donald Healey to become chairman. The Jensen-Healey was developed in a joint venture by Donald Healey, his son Geoffrey and Jensen Motors. Hugo Poole took care of the body design, with the front and rear later modified by William Towns to take advantage of the low-profile engine and to provide cars for the American market with bumpers that met increasingly stringent American safety regulations. The unitary body structure was designed by Barry Bilbie, who had been responsible for the Austin-Healey 100, 100-6 and 3000 as well as the Sprite. It was designed to be easy to repair, with screwable panels, to keep insurance premiums low.
Early cars (1973-1974. 5) were equipped with two-piece steel and chrome bumpers originally designed for the Jensen-Healey. Later cars used redesigned black rubber bumpers to comply with U. S. government regulations and the new 5-mph crash test standard (including this car).
Engine & Transmission
Several engines were trialled in the prototype phase, including Vauxhall, Ford and BMW units. The Vauxhall 2. 3 L engine met US emissions requirements but failed to meet the power target of 130 hp (97 kW). A German Ford V6 was considered, but industrial action crippled delivery. BMW was unable to supply an engine in the required volumes. Colin Chapman of Lotus offered, and Jensen accepted, his company's new 1973 cc Lotus 907 engine, a double overhead camshaft, 16-valve engine of full aluminum. This multi-valve engine was the first modern engine with four valves per cylinder to be mass-produced on an assembly line. This setup produced approximately 145 hp (107 kW), with a top speed of 119 mph (192 km/ h) and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 8. 1 seconds for the emission-controlled U. S. version.
This American vehicle was equipped with 2 double side exhaust single throat CD175 Zenith Strombergs with external oil cooler.
The Mk 2 cars used the same Getrag 235/ 5 five-speed gearbox that was offered as an optional but rare gearbox on some models of the BMW 2002 and the Chevette HS. As a deliberate sports car gearbox, this had a tight gear ratio: remarkably, fifth gear was not an overdrive gear but a direct 1:1 ratio.
Suspension and brakes
The suspension consisted of double wishbones and coil springs at the front, and a rigid rear axle with trailing arms and coil springs at the rear. The brakes consisted of discs at the front and drums at the rear. The suspension, steering, brakes and rear axle were modified from the Vauxhall Firenza with the exception of the front brakes, which were the commonly used Girling Type 14 calipers.
Interior
Jensen-Healey interiors started out relatively sober and functional, with plastic center consoles and all-black color schemes. (Some earlier models, however, had brown interiors.) In August 1973, aesthetic extras such as a clock, wood grain on the dashboard and glove box and partial leather were added as an option. This is a truly unique car with power, design and great value. It's a matter of time before these cars will increase in price. Especially this fully restored car has perfectly been taken car of and will not result in future cost / risks. The most delicate part, the Lotus engine, has been perfectly restored by one of the best Jensen specialists.
