This 1973 Jensen-Healey ticks many of the boxes that potential buyers consider essential when seeking a classic British sports car. It is a one-owner vehicle that has spent its life in favorable climates. That has allowed it to avoid any rust issues that can be common with the little Jensen, while the fact that it is a turnkey proposition means the winning bidder can enjoy it immediately. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Jensen listed here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. Bidding currently sits at $3,550, and if you’re not already sorely tempted, the seller’s decision to list this gem with No Reserve may make it irresistible.
When production of the Austin-Healey 3000 ended in 1967, Jensen Motors found itself at a bit of a loose end. It has produced the bodies for the “3000,” but with excess factory capacity, it entered talks with Donald Healey for a new joint-venture sports car. American business executive Kjell Qvale entered the picture, becoming Jensen’s major shareholder. Donald Healey became Chairman, and development of the Jensen-Healey commenced using a design penned by Hugo Poole and William Towns. Launched in 1972, the Jensen-Healey was widely anticipated by both customers and the motoring press. Sadly, early quality-control issues damaged the badge’s reputation and, when combined with other factors, created a perfect storm. Production ended in 1976, when the company faced bankruptcy. Our feature car left the West Bromwich factory in 1973 and has spent its life in Colorado and Arizona. Both states feature climates that are excellent for preserving classic steel, making the rust-free status of this garage-kept classic unsurprising. The seller, who has been its custodian since Day One, states that they had the car repainted in its original Green Metallic. Otherwise, potential buyers should consider it a survivor. It presents extremely well, with no significant paint or panel imperfections. The soft-top looks a little saggy and baggy, although it would be interesting to discover whether leaving it raised in the sun for a while would improve its appearance enough to make replacement unnecessary. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
Jensen considered several options when selecting an engine for its latest offering. After failing to source engines from Ford, Vauxhall, and BMW, Colin Chapman entered the picture. He struck a deal to supply his 1,973cc “Lotus 907” four-cylinder motor, which proved to be an excellent alternative. The 16-valve twin-cam produced an official 140hp and 130 ft/lbs of torque, which was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque figures may sound modest by modern standards, but with a curb weight of approximately 2,100 lbs, the company claimed this little Healey could cover the ¼-mile in 16.2 seconds on its way to 120mph. The seller has been this car’s custodian since Day One, claiming that it has a genuine 60,000 miles on the clock. It has been meticulously maintained, and with a significant collection of documentation, its Service Records may provide evidence verifying the mileage claim. The Vehicle is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well. It is ready for fine-weather cruising with the winning bidder behind the wheel.
As with the exterior, this Jensen’s interior makes a positive first impression. It is unclear what may be hiding beneath the dash cover, because pads could crack due to long-term UV exposure. It would be worth asking the seller the question about the pad. Replacements are available if that is the case, and are affordable and easy to install. The Black vinyl looks excellent, with only a tiny, repairable hole on the outer edge of the driver’s seat backrest. The woodgrain isn’t faded, and the carpet is clean. The Jensen-Healey didn’t feature many creature comforts, although this car retains its factory radio.
This 1973 Jensen-Healey has generated significant interest since hitting the market, and it’s easy to see why. It presents extremely well for a survivor of this vintage and has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics. Its known ownership history and extensive documentation help its cause enormously, making the bid tally of eighteen unsurprising. Values tend to vary widely, but recent successful sales suggest the bidding probably won’t climb far beyond $7,000. However, the auction action has been spirited, meaning all bets are off, and the sale price could be higher. If a classic British sports car has been on your radar, could this sweet little Jensen-Healey be a contender?
When I lived in Rhodesia, back in the mid fifties until the mid sixties, and then in South Africa from 1964 until 2015, many cars had a protective pad across the dashboard from day number one due to the hot sun cracking the vinyl covering.
Looks like this might end up being a good deal for someone.
Early cars had a 4 speed,later ones had a 5 speed.
These were pretty generic in their day,but seemed to have
aged well.
Thi is a nice JH and well maintained. They are fun to drive and a very decent sports car. It’s a shame that a car like this probably won’t hit the 10K mark. I guess the owner needs to let it go. It looks like another decent British classic that is going the way of the Dodo Bird………
Adam, it looks like the top isn’t latched up front and may be the only reason it looks saggy. Nice looking car. I’ve never driven one, but seems like an affordable way to get a classic British sports car. I like it.
Just love the British roadsters, every bloomin’ one of them. Yet, the JH, not so much. I felt, a poor replacement for the treasured 3000, admittedly getting dated, but this wasn’t even close. Couple things send me screaming in the night, the color a bit odd, needs a 5 speed, or O/D, and those belt driven cams, I can just hear the knashing and destruction upon breakage. Why would such a prominent engine builder go to such lows as belt driven cams with a known interference engine? Sorry, I’d take the 7 foot chain on a Ford Cammer any day.
The car itself wasn’t anything ground breaking, a tad sterile, in fact, and of course, the price. I read, this car listed for almost $6grand, when a TR6 was closer to $4grand, AND, had a proven reliable 6 cylinder, O/D, and IRS. The JH sadly, was a car not many in the US wanted. By the mid-70s, interest in roadsters had begun to wane. Sorry, looking at that belt still gives me the heebie-jeebies,,,
Very decent car. Neighbor had the 2.2L motor, said it pushed 200HP. (!) A whole lotta getup and go for something this light either way.
GLWTA
Change that funky timing belt white boy! Achilles heel for these cars. Otherwise a fun and reliable machine. Lotus recommended 3 yrs, or 30k miles. Abide, or you are likely buying a fist full of sodium filled exhaust valves.
Had a chance to drive a nice example some years back…. definitely a better driver, more comfortable, and more modern than your typical Triumph or MG available at the time (until the TR7 came along)… it’s just I found the styling uninspiring… a bit bland IMO… still do.
Oddball stuff like this is great fun, until it needs parts or a trained mechanic.
I looked at one of these when I graduated from High School. Really nice car I wanted one but couldn’t afford it.
When introduced there were quality issues and parts availability issues. Both damaged the JH’s reputation. Once solved, the cars were much better, but then you had economic and labor issues as well recessions and Jensen fell apart. These are fun cars, I have 74 in the garage. It pulls strong though I would prefer a 5 speed.
Looks like a good solid start to a great car , only needs an engine, transmission , brakes and cooling and the replacement of that awful steering wheel
You mean you will accept the Lucas electrics? I thought that all Yanks figured that Lucas was the Prince of Darkness!
To me that is a given issue that must be corrected but you are right , i did not mention it !
My brother has a detomaso and most issues were corrected with the replacement fuse panel !
Having worked almost exclusively on these cars for over 45 years, most of the original problems with the engine and other problematic items have been “fixed”. This appears to be a “true” ’73 , which has a rope seal for the rear crank, which is less desirable than the later engines with a real “rubber” seal in a housing. The cam covers usually leaked which was “fixed” by the aftermarket red ones(which this car does not have). There are not enough pictures of the bottom where rust would occur, but the lone view of the passenger side appears to be original. Also, someone has rotated the carb tops 90degrees from where they are supposed to be?
For the good points: for driving, these cars were/are FAR superior to any other car at the time except for a Lotus Elan or a Porsche 911. They are easy to work on with the main problem being rust, which POR15, Mastercoat, KBS etc will take care of.
SOLD for $7800.
32 bids.