Jensen Motors was a British automobile manufacturer (primarily sports cars) with roots dating to the 1920s. They fell onto hard times in the 1970s and eventually went out of business. One of their last creations was the 1975-76 Jensen GT, a “shooting brake” (fastback/wagon) that only saw a few hundred copies made before the company ceased operations. This car is one of them, and it’s a survivor with less than 20,000 documented miles (per the seller). Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this Lotus-powered rarity is available here on craigslist for $19,500.
The GT was based on the Jensen-Healey sports car/roadster, built from 1972 to 1975. It had a 2+2 passenger compartment layout, though the backseat was tiny. Both cars used a Lotus 907 inline-4 with twin camshafts and, in most cases (if not all), a 5-speed manual transmission. Only 511 of the GTs were assembled, with 293 using left-hand drive for exportation to markets like the U.S.
We’re not privy to the history of this 50-year-old Jensen, but the seller says the 19,100 miles on the odometer are correct and can be verified. It was # 225 of the total pool of GTs that were built before the company ran out of money. The body and paint look to be in great condition, and the interior is also quite nice, though perhaps a little detailing might help. The car has factory air conditioning, which may or may not add further to its rarity.
The seller says that all of the Jensen’s maintenance is up to date. So, it should be good to go for quite a few more miles. I’m sure there are Jensen groups out there, but you have to wonder how hard it is to find parts for an orphan manufacturer like Jensen. Thanks for the cool tip, Tony Primo!
Good eye, Tony Primo.
Nondescript front facia and that the US customer generally wasn’t enthralled with what they considered a 2 door sports car station wagon contributed in part to the lack of sales. Too, that it was similar in looks to the MGB/MGC GT at twice the price didn’t help.
Personally thinking this is a unique ride in many ways and would be a fun experience to drive, though it might be as maintenance-intensive as a B-58 to keep on the road. your suggestion Russ to find a good Jensen forum could be the saving grace to keeping these flyin’. Good idea.
I confess to an unhealthy interest in these. My friends think I am nuts. Nuts or not, I’d like to own one. This is the nicest example I have ever seen. I think it should sell around $10k but that’s because that’s where I’d like to buy it, ha ha. I plan to contact the seller, see what happens.
Send us some pictures of you driving it!
Ha! That’s pretty optimistic! First I have to negotiate the right price, then it’s gotta ship, then it’s gotta run! But if I get that far, I’ll write about it.
Hey!
I am retired. Pay the expenses and I will drive it to you.
Beats shoveling snow in New England.
Glad to help.
I’m with you Michelle. I like these alot. (Also Volvo 1800 ES, etc) I saw one in person where they painted the front and rear park benches body color and it improved the look of the car. What do the “euro/non US bumpers look like,) Good luck on your attempted purchase and keep us up to date.
I thought the very same thing about the gawdaful bumpers. But every picture I can find has that style bumper for 72-76. Some have a chrome topper and are painted the body color. I would at least paint them the matching white.
Good luck! I owned a Jensen Healey and loved it, a go kart on bigger wheels.
As long as the Lotus was 40000 RPM or over, it was a lot of fun.
Sweet, is that suitcase in the rear really going to help sell the car?
A friend in a British car club back 30 years ago had the convertible Jensen. It was an interesting car to drive but I had no interest in owning one. The hardtops are really rare and different from the roadster. This one is in really good original shape. Finding the buyer for this model at $20K is like finding a needle in a haystack! Nothing wrong with this car, however the segment of buyers is teeny, even when it was introduced! It will get attention at a Sunday morning coffee meet!!
A really nice car but my first thought when I saw the photo of the rear was it looked like a Pinto.
I’d love to drive one. Great writeup.
Strange “shooting brake” never heard of that until yesterday on YouTube a story about the early Mustang, where they were designing a shooting brake design. Not today……… and here we are, shooting brake design !!!! I my phone spying on me????
Fran, shooting brake design is one of my favorites. One shooting brake that many have seen, but they didn’t call it that. Was the Chevy Vega “Kamback/wagon. My favorite is still the Volvo 1800 ES. I tried to buy one when they were new but at the end of production. I found several, but all were automatic transmissions, which I didn’t want. This early in the morning other makes are not coming to my brain other than the Stag Estate.
Do you consider a Volvo C30 one? we have a 2013 we bought new with only 26K on it…
Body looks to be in very good shape, but more pix and a closer look as to where rust occurs would be advisable. Also, the 2 carb tops are on incorrectly: the rear one 180 degrees out and the front one 90 degrees out. Seeing these “obvious” errors would lead me to believe a potential buyer needs an in person inspection
Good catch on the carbs!
Yes fran, I do. And a very good looking one. Some may not because of the curved roof. BTW, unfortunately the C30 is not in the same category for quality as the 1800ES. (Sorry)
Maybe it’s an artifact of the photo, but the yellow carpet sticks out like a sore thumb. I’d see if it can be dyed to match the seats.
I’m sure it was color matched beige,just faded from UV.
Always wanted one of these.
Looks original to me. Real 70s color.
Or this Jaguar/Lynx https://silodrome.com/jaguar-xjs-lynx-eventer/
Wow Scott! That’s beautiful! I want one!
I want this, but not for $19.5k…
I know this owner as a personal friend and I have seen the car up close. It is sweet and is the real deal. The seller (owner) does a nice job with all his cars. Whoever buys this one will be pleased for sure. Chris
Wow, the nicest one I have ever seen. Have looked at a number of Jensen Healeys for decades now. Even back when they were only a couple years old. They do not age well. And even when only a couple years old. Were usally pretty ratty. As time has passed, they have gotten much worse. I looked at buying a horde of them once. 4 convertables, and a shooting brake GT. And truck loads of parts. None of them ran. All were rusty, ( especially the GT ) all outside in the NW. The whole lot was for $10k. The add showed decent cars ( stored inside ) obviously years before I saw them in person. I walked away, as he was asking what you pay? Very sad. I am sure they all got crushed.