A true British sports car, this 1974 Jensen-Healey roadster has 7,940 miles shown on the odometer, however, that has more than likely rolled over once and sits at 107,940. It is located in Oregon City, Oregon, the starting bid is $1,500 with the reserve not yet met. The title is listed as clean. It has been stored in a dry place for the past 10 years, after driving to that place from Nevada. There is more here on eBay.
In the engine bay sits a 2.0 liter Lotus inline 4-cylinder connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. Common amongst so many car listings is the phrase, “ran well when parked.” This listing has it, although sadly, the seller tried to start it knowing the intent to sell it, but could not get it to turn over. No other details are listed about what was done to start the car. It is safe to say that if you buy it, bring a trailer.
Inside, things are a bit rough. The radio is out of and laying on the passenger foot well. The driver seat is torn, and there seems to be miscellaneous debris throughout the car. That might be normal for a car sitting for this long though, in this condition. It looks like someone started with an aftermarket radio installation and bailed. The door panels and dash look good and the car does come with a hard top.
With 10,503 units sold, this is the best-selling Jensen model of all time. Due to that, there is a good chance that any parts needed would be somewhat easier to find, one can hope. Classic British sports cars do tend to be hefty projects, as the seller even indicates on their listing that it was not one they wanted to get into. If you are interested in a project like that though, this car is a good candidate.
Wow…back to when I was 23. Had one of these. Great little Lotus twin-cam engine that would rev like crazy, and the car handled well too. But as is noted above, it was always in the shop. Drove me nuts. And generally parts had to be ordered from England, so it was hurry-up-and-wait all the time. The main recurring problem was that the cam cover gaskets were rubber and weren’t set in a channel on the covers (there was no channel…manufacturing flaw…), so they kept blowing out. I can’t remember how many cam cover gaskets we put in that thing but it was a lot…
More than oil gasket fault in these, it was partially due to non evacuation of fumes and a peaky engine that needed jigh rpm and whose oil pump volume was more than oil return channels could handel.
British curse was their electronics, and this radio out may be no more than attempt to find failed electronics behind dash.
Not realy a city stop and go daily driver but more get out on open two lane backtop where heel toe breaking and shifting for twisty roads driving car,
Tend to not favor any English built autos of pre 1980 but like pre 55 sports racers that you know damn well you will be uncomfortable and must constantly wrench and tweak upon.
Collecting them is about snob appeal investing, where as I am more the collector of NASCAR plates investor.
Limited market for flippers and buyers to restore sales.
Considering Lucas electronics the 7940 mileage might be accurate (why do the English warm beer question comes to mind), Regardless, a beautifully revving engine and a good design awfulled by bumpers, I had a ride in one, my 105 Series 1750 GTV wasn’t so great after that.
*drink* warm beer
Just got mine back on the road earlier this year after 20 years in the garage. Forgot how much fun they are to drive! Back in the early 90s I owned a JH and a TR7, whichever one wasnt in the shop was my driver that day.
Like most British sports cars, their lines didn’t look good with the crash bumpers mandated. The 72 was a much better looking car with the slim bumper. I always want of these, just because it mixed two brands, lotus and healey.
Like most British sports cars, their lines didn’t look good with the crash bumpers mandated. The 72 was a much better looking car with the slim bumper. I always want of these, just because it mixed two brands, lotus and healey. Btw, that shifter doesn’t look stock…
My friend was a parts manager at a Triumph distributor when these were new. The parts were always on order from England as the spare parts system could not keep up. When shipments were received, they were already spoken for. He remarked at low milage for engine failure, and the unhappy customers.
rrrruuuunnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have had two of these. Never had a lot of problems with either.
Biggest problem was when a shop did change the cam cover gaskets, but didn’t blow the oil out of the threaded holes. Cracked the casting.
Other than that, the only problem was the damned fuel pump.
This is nice. It has the right transmission. You really want the 5 speed
If someone here is restoring one of these cars, I have a NOS pair of inner/outer sills [rockers], complete sets, never used. Had a customer who wanted his restored, however it ended up being financially too far gone from severe rust-thru, so he ended up selling it. That left me with a bunch of parts I had bought, including the sills. Sold everything else years ago.
I am looking for a set of rockers. Hurdsp@hotmail.com
Lucas electric the prince of darkness
BINGO…Lucas was the curse of any car owner with this electrical system.
I’ve always wanted one of these since I was a kid. Some lady in our neighborhood had one, British racing green over saddle interior. Beautiful car. If I was to actually take that leap, I’d get one that’s already done. You can get a well cared for one for not a lot of money. From my understanding, parts are fairly readily available, and there are aftermarket parts to address its shortcomings.
Most of the negative comments about these cars are out of date. There is good club support and parts availability. Lotus developed this engine into the early 90’s including a stint in the lotus sunbeam rally car in the late 70’s which won the RAC championship. It’s over 40 years old so yes you have to maintain it to really enjoy it, but don’t trash it if you don’t have contemporary experience. Today these are awesome, lightweight, great handling and performing cars. Unloved for too long means there aren’t many good ones to boost the brand and values. Also means they are attractive buys. Get one now!