Barn Finds reader Packradt writes: I should not be the first person to ask when you are looking for someone to “proof” a car for you in the field, but this seems a fair entry into a complete, svelte forty plus year old convertible (unless the frame is the consistency of fried pork rinds or something ‘orrible has happened to it along the line). Thanks for the tip! With an awkward-looking aftermarket hardtop, primer over paint and a not-so-great looking set of aftermarket wheels, this 1974 Jensen-Healey didn’t catch my eye at first. However, after looking a little closer, I think this might just be a ruby in the rough! It’s for sale here on craigslist for $895 “firm,” and is located in Portland, Tennessee.

The hardtop looks something like a Parrish Plastics or Snug Top, but the unusual quarter window shape and what I think is a sunroof spoil the look for me. On the other hand, the paint looks relatively glossy and most of the clear coat is still there (obviously a repaint) except for the primed spots on the hood, so I wonder if you could get away with just painting it rather than the whole car?

I don’t even see a lot of rust, something J-H’s are known for. The early stainless steel bumpers look much better than the later rubber ones, and they also look quite straight.

Obviously, one of the main attractions of the Jensen-Healey is its Lotus-sourced 907 twin-cam engine, very similar to what came in the Lotus Esprit. The engine looks intact, although I’m sure it and the transmission were pulled for a reason. It’s good to see the timing belt in place; I hope it didn’t break; I’d be looking at the teeth to make sure that wasn’t the reason the engine was pulled. We don’t know much else about the car; what do you think–is this a British drop-top worth pursuing? Let us know in the comments below!