Non-operable for ten years, this 1974 Jensen Healey Convertible in Rockwall, Texas seeks a qualified individual to sort its mechanical and electrical systems (at least) and get the classic British sports car into the wind. We saw a remarkably similar car just over a month ago, when our own Michelle Rand covered its stablemate here, a near-twin. Neither Jensen became the retirement ride envisioned by late owner and sat garaged for ten years before being moved to outside storage after his passing, albeit with “fitted covers.” The non-running convertible shows what looks like recent interior and wiring work. Neither rear wheel turns freely so plan for that. The listing here on eBay includes more pictures and information. Two bidders have the red ragtop’s market value over $2000.
British sports cars and electrical problems go together like tea and crumpets, and the fun of sorting it falls to the new owner. Obscure that mess, though, and things look rather promising here.
Despite the non-running condition, the California plates and Texas address bode well for a project involving minimal rust repair. What looks like a knock-out for a hood scoop seems like a hastily contrived afterthought, perhaps required by the twin Zenith Stromberg carburetors fitted to American cars. Of about 10,500 Jensen Healeys produced, nearly 75% sold in North America.
Unlike the American V8-powered Jenson Interceptor, the Jensen Healey features a high-strung Lotus 907. The 2.0L (120 cid) inline four-cylinder featured all alloy construction, double overhead cams, and four valves per cylinder. With minimal torque, the 907 encourages operators to “drive it like you stole it,” rewarding exploration of the upper RPM with 144 HP from a year when the 1000 pound heavier V8 Chevrolet Corvette made as little as 195. That void in the engine compartment’s right front originally held a large intake housing that comically resembles an exhaust muffler. Thanks to Wikipedia for some details. Can you picture yourself in this bright red British drop top?
Its stablemate from last month with the black stripe is from the same seller again. If you click on sellers other items you will still see both listed again.
Anything with a fistful wires hanging from under the dashboard like this is worth nothing more than scrap
I’d be asking careful questions about the title, but otherwise it looks like a great project.
Both cars are on eBay currently.
The striped one here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195911790316
So odd to me to see the exposed cam timing belt, and how limited the contact is with the cam gears.
I’ve been involved with J-H’s for over thirty years. Most of them no longer have the covers on the cam belts. Owners and mechanics generally consider the covers a PITA.
I suggest the buyer of this car not try to start the engine before changing the cam belt and tensioner-wheel bearings. It has an interference engine so a stripped cam belt can cause a lot of damage. I change them every few years.
Properly maintained, these Lotus 907 engines can last a long time. My wife’s J-H has over 235K miles on the original engine. Sure, it’s getting tired but she still drives it.
These are somewhat finicky cars and need regular maintenance.This one’s clearly been neglected outside. Owner couldn’t even be bothered to remove the detritus from the engine compartment in preparation for the sale.That’s all you need to know. Beautiful examples aren’t very expensive.
From new these cars have been under-rated. They present a cheap way into a good-driving sports car. They never seem to appreciate in price, but they offer a lot of value. A friend had one and loved it.
Like Stuart, i have worked on these almost exclusively, for over 40 years and yes, they are a good buy IF the monocoque body hasn’t rusted through. There are NO pictures of the floorboards or the fender doglegs where the rockers are. Road silt gets thrown in there and unless cleaned and heavily rust protected(e.g. POR15, MASTERCOAT, KBS) the repair will be expensive and timely.
btw, if someone needs parts for this that appear to be missing from the pictures, I have an extensive colection.
Hi Fordor – I recently located and purchased a 74 JH (on blocks for 40 years) that is missing the air filter components (for the orig Strombergs), and radio, and was wondering if you might have either of these parts avail for me to fix up “Lil’ red”? Thanks for any help – Guy
PS Stuart mentioned new cam belt and tensioner springs, I am guessing from Delta is where to get those parts, any other tips/tricks before starting this baby up some time this summer? I was going to spray some PB blaster in the cyls as well and let sit overnight before trying to fire it up in the future
IMO…
Rather than something like PB in the cylinders do a little research on what has worked for many others.
I personally would use Marvel “Mystery Oil” but have heard positive comments about ATF mixed with diesel fuel as well.
Good luck with the project, ones like the Jensen can be fun.
Guy: sent you a “REPLY” some time ago, but maybe “Barn Finds” didn’t send it to you?
Look at the Jensen Healey Preservation Society (JHPS) for help, etc.
Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.
Thanks for the fast reply; maybe Barn Finds will allow this link to get to you:
http://www.jensenhealey.com/forums/