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.
Sweet, is that suitcase in the rear really going to help sell the car?