One challenge potential buyers face when searching for a Jensen-Healey to park in their garage is locating one without rust issues. This 1974 example is a dry-climate survivor that has avoided that fate. It is as solid as the day it left the factory, and with some significant recent mechanical work, its needs are purely cosmetic. Adding to its appeal is the seller’s affordable price. They have listed this gem here on Craigslist in Santa Barbara, California. You could drive it away after handing the seller $9,995, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting this driving project.

The demise of the Austin-Healey 3000 in 1967 impacted some American importers significantly. One such individual was San Franciscan Kjell Qvale, who put his money where his mouth was by becoming a major shareholder in Jensen Motors. Installing Donald Healey as Chairman, design work commenced on a worthy replacement for the venerable 3000. The Jensen-Healey emerged in 1972, remaining in production until 1976. Quality control issues hurt initial sales, but most of these were eliminated by the time our feature car rolled out of the West Bromwich factory in 1974. The latest model featured bold and modern styling largely penned by William Towns, with the first owner ordering this Healey in Code 122 Black with a matching soft-top. The exterior has the baked look of a classic that has spent its days in a dry climate, which is hardly surprising since it is a Californian survivor. The same atmospheric conditions that baked its exterior has preserved its steel, an important consideration on a vehicle that developed a reputation for rust problems. The seller states that this gem is rock-solid, meaning that its shortcomings are purely cosmetic. They recently fitted a new top, which is a good starting point for this project build. The panels are straight, the gaps are tight and consistent, and I can’t spot any significant problems with the glass or trim.

The seller supplies no clear interior or engine bay shots but admits that the interior requires a retrim. This is unlikely to be a cheap exercise because trim kits aren’t thick on the ground. I found seatcovers for around $1,500, while a carpet set retails for approximately $550. My search was relatively brief, so an enthusiast with more time and patience might unearth better options. Powering the Healey is a 1,973cc Lotus “907” DOHC four that produces 140hp and 130 ft/lbs of torque. The driver controls ratio shifting via a five-speed manual transmission, and with a curb weight of a mere 2,116 lbs, this is a surprisingly spritely performer that can hit 120mph. The seller has splashed a serious stack of cash at this survivor recently, with the engine having only clocked around 500 miles since receiving a cylinder head rebuild and a reseal. The master cylinder is fairly new, as are the booster, clutch, flywheel, tires, and Petronix electronic ignition. They also rebuilt the carburetors on a car that has a claimed 50,000 original miles on the clock. They say that it runs and drives extremely well, and can be enjoyed immediately by its new owner.

The Jensen-Healey promised much, and the buying public eagerly embraced a new British sports car upon its unveiling. Sadly, early quality control issues tarnished the vehicle’s reputation, and by the time these were addressed, rising oil prices had brought Jensen to its financial knees. This 1974 Jensen-Healey is a promising project that could be ideal for someone considering the hands-on approach. It has been on the market for around a week, and the listing suggests the seller may consider respectful offers. Is that thought enough for you to give it more than a passing glance?