The seller of this 1974 Jensen Healey is ready to throw in the towel, listing it as a parts car for two main reasons: it’s been sitting for some time, and there’s no title paperwork. The former is a scenario we’re familiar with on these pages, and the latter can certainly be an obstacle. But if you live in a no title state, it’s less of an issue, and certainly makes it easier to argue for saving this special sports car. The bodywork looks decent and the various trim and wheels seem correct. The Lotus-built DOHC engine is said to be stuck at the moment, but it’s definitely worth trying to free up that gem of an engine. Find the Jensen Healey here on Facebook Marketplace for just $999.
The Jensen Healey is one of those British sports cars we just don’t see that much of. I’ll be honest: I don’t think I’ve laid eyes on one in the flesh in over ten years, aside from one that’s hiding away in a private museum on Cape Cod (that never gets driven). The MGBs, the Rovers, the Spitfires, and the TR6s – they all get plenty of time in the spotlight, almost to the point you get bored of seeing them pop up for sale. Why is the Jensen Healey so unloved by comparison, especially given it actually made good power for the peak of the malaise era and had all the pedigree of a classic British sports car? Why do cars like this end up being sold for scrap?
The Jensen Healey seen here is far too good for that fate, especially when you see the interior. It’s a shame this seller things that parting it out is the best option, as the interior is in excellent condition for a car that’s been sitting. The seats look to be in great shape, along with the door panels. The wood trim on the dash doesn’t look bad at all, and it even retains its original steering wheel. The fact that the top is still up, coupled with the clean interior, indicates to me the roof is still sound and that the Jensen Healey hasn’t been left outside for decades. It’s located in Trenton, New Jersey, so road salt is definitely a concern. The edges of the body panels look decent but the floors could be another story entirely.
That honey of an engine is what really sets the Jensen Healey apart from other vintage sports models, and the spunky powerplant was a mere 2.0L making that kind of power, which is all the more impressive when you consider the Big 3’s lineup of muscle cars and luxury vehicles made similar amounts of power from engines with double that displacement. Hopefully, this Jensen Healey’s engine can come back to life after a week of letting diesel fuel soak in the cylinder bores, or whatever other trick you like to use to free frozen engines. Would you restore this Jensen Healey or take the seller’s advice and part it out?
Looks like the cam sprocket cover is off, meaning someone already tried to “un-stick” the engine. Most likely it spun a bearing and seized. Still, for a small fraction of the price you’d have to pay for a rusted out Chevelle with no drive train, you’ve actually got something you can work on and is also something you don’t see every day. I would do an engine conversion on this myself.
This would make a fantastic electric conversion with Tesla batteries. It would be a real head turner.
The base engine was a Vauxhall Viva 2.0 or 2.3 engine fitted with a twin cam head and over here twin webbers from memory, getting very rare…….
Incorrect. These have an all aluminum Lotus 907 engine.
The finished production engine had no Vauxhall parts in it. Lotus did use Vauxhalls 2.3 “slant” engine as a mule, but then made it all their own. UK cars were equipped with twin 40 Dellorto carbs, The Later Lotus cars used twin 45s which improved running dramatically. Fantastic engines when they are fresh, but definately not for rebuilding by the unwary !
Neil Munn. You got it exactly right. Only issue with the engine is knowing what your doing when rebuilding, but any good mechanic should be able to handle it.
I had one of these also. Great parts car for the price.
Restore Restore Restore… did I mention Restore it?
Had one..in green. Paid $45 at the auction for it. About this condition. Engine stuck. Walked around and around it…I am a master tech and do them all. Porsche, VW, Buick, Citroen…Marine engines,outboards, locomotive engine..so engine? Sure…..but….why? Yes, it is based on the Vauxhall engine but all “special”..
Parts? I’ll just run down to the Vauxhall dealer and….oh….wait….
Sold it to an outfit in Kansas who specializes in them and I waved “good by”. No tears…
I’ve worked in these almost exclusively for over 40 years, and for $999, this IS an excellent “parts” car.
Since I can’t see the floorboards under the rubber mats, that would concern me for rebuilding, not to mention the rockers and inner fender wells. If someone lives close to this destination, check it out, as this REALLY could be a steal.
I have a number of these Lotus engines (that turn freely)in storage and barn full or parts. At very good prices.
Located in Yuma , Arizona.
Hi Terry.
Do you have another parts also? I looking for some body trim parts.
Regards
Laszlo
Hey i think i bought a hardtop from you years ago.
Yes, as i recall your new fuel pump wiring failed shortly after you left my house. Still here with most of my Jensen’s
Located near Trenton, NJ
Price reduced to $899
Funny lots of comments but no links. Most sites gives links if they want someone to save it. BTW plenty of parts available from Delta to British Motor Works. I could build one from available parts dealers