- Seller: Matthew K (Contact)
- Location: Huntington Station, New York
- Mileage: 11,380 Shown
- Chassis #: 14340
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.0-Liter Lotus 907 Twin-cam Inline-4
- Transmission: Manual
By all rights, the Jensen Healey should have been a massive success. Jensen and Healey were both big names in the British car world, and with a Lotus twin cam engine under the bonnet, it should have been a winning formula. Due to production delays, engine issues, and the oil crisis, the Jensen Healey never achieved the success it deserved. They are finally gaining popularity as a unique and fun-to-drive British sports car, especially the Mark IIs, which received some significant improvements. This 1973 example was one of the first Mark IIs built, and while it’s a project, it has great potential! The seller has too many other projects to tend to, so they’ve decided to list it as a no-reserve Barn Finds Auction. It’s located in Huntington Station, New York and comes with a clean title.
The Jensen Healey really is an interesting car with an equally as interesting back story. With Austin-Healey 3000 production ending in 1967, Kjell Qvale, who was a major Austin-Healey importer, saw a need for a car that could replace it. Since Qvale was also highly invested in Jensen, so he was instrumental in connecting Donald Healey with Jensen. The car that was born out of this partnership had large shoes to fill and limited resources to do it. To keep production costs down, the unibody design used bolt-on panels and borrowed much of its drivetrain from the Vauxhall Firenza. Finding a suitable engine proved challenging, and options were considered from Ford, Vauxhall, and even BMW. Eventually, it was decided that they would use the Lotus 907 twin-cam 16-valve inline-4.
Unlike many cars of the era, the interior of the Jensen Healey was kept simple and straightforward. You received a full array of gauges, which are well placed, a simple climate control system, a Jensen-branded radio, and a sporty steering wheel. This one is going to need some interior work, but could be enjoyed as is. The most obvious issues are some cracks in the dash, a split seam in the driver’s seat, and some unraveling carpet. The seller removed the seats and floor coverings to take photos of the floors, which look to be solid. Given how few were built, you would think parts would be hard to come by, but these are actually very well supported.
The Lotus 907 proved to be the Jensen Healey’s best and worst feature. It’s a great engine, but early examples were plagued by rear main seal issues that led to more than a few failures. Thankfully, Lotus upgraded the rear main seal, which resolved the worst of the issues. When it’s in good order, the Lotus engine produces great power, loves to rev, and sounds fantastic. The seller started the process of reviving this car. Here’s the list of what all has been done already: new cam cover gaskets, new intake gaskets, new thermostat, new slave cylinder, new hard and soft brake lines, electric fuel pump with pressure regulator, new timing belt, rear drum shoe service, front caliper rebuild, new vacuum lines, and new voltage regulator. While the engine turns over, it isn’t currently running, and the seller believes it isn’t getting a spark. At some point, it was equipped with a Pertronix Distributor and Flamethrow ignition. We would order an OEM distributor and coil for it. The seller also notes that the speedometer stopped working before the vehicle was parked.
This looks like a great project for anyone wanting a rare Lotus-powered sports car. It’s going to need some work, but it sure would be fun once it’s back on the road. Add in the included factory hardtop, and you could enjoy it most of the year! Be sure to leave any questions you have for the seller in the comment section below.
Bid On This Auction
Amicus bid $1,200.00 2025-10-16 10:24:04
seandaw bid $1,100.00 2025-10-16 08:25:43- Amicus bid $1,000.00 2025-10-13 19:37:47
jackschmit bid $900.00 2025-10-13 17:23:40- Amicus bid $600.00 2025-10-11 12:31:44
Bob Rogers bid $500.00 2025-10-11 03:26:54- Amicus bid $300.00 2025-10-10 16:01:55
Christopher P. Gilbert bid $200.00 2025-10-10 11:01:13- Bob Rogers bid $100.00 2025-10-09 15:34:59
Sort of like a Church Potluck, this was put together with a
a smorgasbord of components. Unlike the beautiful Austin-Healey
the design of this looked like a design by a committee.
And too much plastic. Good intentions. A shame it all failed.
I had one, this looks pretty good, and original wheels. Could be a great deal for someone.
I’ll be contrary and say there was no way this was ever going to be a massive success. By the time it hit the streets the writing was already on the wall for roadsters and everybody thought a convertible ban was in the works. The styling is…well, it’s not gorgeous. And there was a little car called the 240Z to reckon with.
A car club member had one of these and I was able to drive it. They are not bad at all. The Lotus motor works and this one looks like a decent project. While they are fairly rare, ( the coupe even rarer) they aren’t worth much as an investment. It’s a better car to have and to drive and just enjoy it.
I’m more interested in the Opel GT sitting in the background. Wonder if it’s for sale.
Hello Azzurra. The Opel has been sold.
Thanks for the update.
This could be a great value if you want a taller go-kart on wheels. As long as you keep the revs up, and I mean up, the JH is a real kick to drive, and a good cruiser. You either like or don’t like the style; it is much better looking in person, and I liked it. Parts are plentiful; the big question is rust! A good percentage have the worm, and most floors have had work, so inspect carefully. No reserve on this JH, so someone is going to have a lot of fun for the bucks.
Hello Mark,
I’ve included photos of the floor pans.
This JH is pretty solid. Just some surface rust.
Kelly,
Thank you, if I wasn’t on the left coast, I would certainly take a look! Good luck.
I don’t think it’s too shabby! Always liked these.
Q: What might that little red car next to building be?
Abarth, early TVR..?
Best. Jeff
Opel GT. Sold a few weeks back. Lost my storage. All my toys have to go.
I think he means the other red car by the building with the door.
Yes, what Howie said. The “other” red car.
Toyota “Sport”, for other red car?
Yes. Good eye.
Toyota Sports 800 also for sale.
where can I get info on the Toyota? Is it still available?
What an eclectic collection! Jealous. ;)
Toyo going on auction?
Best.
This is not a ’73 but an early(more desirable) ’74. It has the later engine with the oil fill in the intake cam cover, but the early Delco 35 amp alternator. The interior has the more desirable “non-plastic” center console, but it does have the earlier steering wheel, which is MUCH easier to take off than the later ones with the steel center emblem. The floorboards look extremely good for a car on Long Island; rust is the biggest issue with these cars as being a monocoque, they are difficult to fix body-wise.
All the mechanical items are easy to repair/replace so this car could be a VERY good deal for a true DIYer.
If someone needs more info about these cars (NOT this particular one) , please ask and I’ll try to help
@Howie: > Toyota Sport. I believe,for the ‘other’ red car.
Correct.
Toyota Sport 800 is for sale.
@Kelly – Send it in so we can auction it for you!
Very nice car, these were very nice cars to drive, a world more advanced than the other British cars like the MGB or TR4’s. This one is very nice and would make a great driver.
I agree El Grecko.
Last few hours to bid.
Good luck bidders!
Last few hours to bid El Grecko!
Good luck bidders.
Seller, have you done a compression test?
Compression tests in the past have put all four cylinders right around 150.
No recent compression test has been done.
Cam gaskets recently replaced as seen in the photos.
Car presently does not have spark.
Wish I had the room to tinker with this. A bucket list car along with a Volvo 1800 Estate.
A real bargain under $2500!
Sorry Kelly, can’t grab it :(
Best,Jeff
Sorry Kelly, no room to fettle/drive :(
A real bargain under $2500.
A bucket list car along with a Volvo 1800 Estate.
Best,Jeff
Congrats Amicus.
Will Barnfinds put us in touch?
Yes, all the info has been emailed. Thanks!
Jesse,
I’m not seeing an email.