Some of you may be familiar with the 1972-75 Jensen-Healey, a sports car intended mainly for the US market to fill the gap when the Austin-Healey 3000 couldn’t be economically modified by 1968 to meet new federal regulations. A tortured gestation produced a good but not great car, featuring a newly designed Lotus twin-cam 16-valve engine that eventually became the powerplant for the Esprit, once the design issues had been worked out at Jensen’s expense. For 1975 and 1976, Jensen moved the basic platform upmarket, producing a shooting brake (two-door wagon) version with a beautiful new interior. This one is listed for sale here on Craigslist in Playa Del Rey, California, for an asking price of $6,400 (a reduction from the original price of $7,200). Thanks to frequent finder Zappenduster for calling this rare car to our attention!
The shooting brake’s name was changed to Jensen GT, but the improvements were short-lived, as the GT only lasted two model years, and only 511 were produced, with 293 of those being left-hand-drive cars. This car is said to have only 28,438 original miles and features a dash and interior in fantastic condition. No rust is mentioned, but the pictures are low-resolution and hardly comprehensive. I do know the headlight nacelles were originally body color around the edges, so it’s possible at least part of the car has been painted.
This picture of the Lotus powerplant is from a 1974 Jensen-Healey brochure. The GT featured the same engine (although the transmission was upgraded from 1975 on to a ZF five-speed considered much stronger than the original 4-speed). One difference, however, is that US models featured two Stromberg CD175 carburetors rather than the Webers or Dellortos in the picture. It’s very common for US cars to have received a carb upgrade, and since the seller doesn’t share underhood pictures, who knows what’s there. I’d hope for Dellortos! However, the seller tells us that they attempted to fit a Pertronix electronic ignition and the car hasn’t started since. Speaking as someone who has screwed up a Pertronix installation once, I can tell you that the systems are pretty robust and I’ll bet some wiring sleuthing can figure out the issue. If not, a new system is available here for $340, and detailed installation instructions and possible issues from the Jensen Healey Preservation Society are here. And, if worst comes to worst, you can always go back to points!
You can see the plush (for the time) interior here; I can attest that the Jensen seats are much more comfortable than most of its contemporaries, although I’ve always found the two-spoke steering wheel a bit odd to grip.
You can tell your significant other that you are buying a “practical” hatchback–right? Mine wouldn’t buy it, though. I’ve honestly never seen a GT with an original interior this nice.
Jensen called the GT the “Good Thinking Car” in their advertisements at the time. I’m thinking someone tried a bit too hard to come up with a “GT” phrase! You’ll note they characterized the rear seats as “occasional”. Honestly, they could only be occupied by children, and small ones at that.
This is the back cover of the only US brochure for the GT. The blacked-out area above the front bumper never made production that I’m aware of, and the 5-mph bumpers were certainly uglier than the elegant stainless ones fitted to the 74 and earlier Jensen-Healeys. I certainly think $6,400 is reasonable for the car–how about you?
Regardless of how easy of a fix the seller might think it is, right now it’s a non running project. Potential buyers have no way to check out the cars mechanics, brakes, steering, transmission or electrical, the price should always reflect the downside risk. Sellers tend to downplay a cars troubles and the amount of time, money and effort to get them running, that’s something buyers often learn the hard way.
I’m not sure about pricing for these, but I don’t think they are in high demand, thus a lower price may be needed to move this to a new owner.
Steve R
I’m usually very sceptical to low mileage claims, but given how clean this car’s interior is I can believe it’s correct. Let’s just say that you never see any this nice.
Now, they were also among the worst cars I’ve seen for rust. I had a Jensen Healey back when it was only about 10years old and it was rusty everywhere. I bought new fenders and sills for it, but once I started tearing the car down there wasn’t much to mount it to.
So, if this car both has a nice interior and would turn out not to be rusty I’d say it’s a bargain no matter its mechanical health. The drivetrain can always be fixed, but refurbishing a ratty and rusty car is almost impossible.
Oh I believe the low mileage because the damn things never run. As bad as a Jag.
It’s probably only worth about half that price and just because of the clean interior.
“As bad as a Jag”…WHAT A CROCK!
The distributor is mounted horizontal underneith the intake manifold. Likely a mechanical / installation issue.
I just got my Jensen Healey in August, and am still learning about it. I also talked with a guy at a car show in town, he’s got a non-runner GT just a few miles away.
I’ve been reading everything I can find on the car. There is no mention of a difference in. Horsepower between the D’ellorto and the Zenith Stombergs.
Yes in many photos you can see the hood is open, but no engine photos. $4k to $5k is more like it.
Car looks very nice, wiring problems are a bit scary
No thanks to a “DEAD# engine an the costs to det brakes and etc checked out.
If it wasn’t on the other side of the country… so I could do a personal inspection… I wouldn’t hesitate to pay the $6400 ask. This one looks pretty clean.
This engine is why Lotus now uses Toyota engines. I have always liked this body style and tried to buy one a few years ago. But in my opinion wanted too much money for a car that didn’t run. (Which I didn’t care about as I was going to install a 5.0 Ford. (Which there is plenty of room for in the engine bay. ) Sad to see what has happened to the British auto industry. BUT, they did it to themselves. (Old thinking as far as quality of workmanship and materials. Not to mention labor issues being a constant.) If in the market I would buy this and “hot rod” it. Daily driver and track day car.
Here’s some more food for thought – 1976 Jensen GT buyer’s guide, brought to you by Hemmings:
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/performance-and-exclusivity-are-hallmarks-of-the-1976-jensen-gt/
Issues solved at Jensen’s expense! Good writeup Jamie!
Thanks, Harry. I’ve almost pulled the trigger on a Jensen-Healey three times, and each time I’ve been scared off by the potential engine issues. This one, I’d probably take a chance on, but it’s 3,000 miles from me.
While I have never owned that Lotus engine in any car, two people I know who have, both say to follow the manual’s servicing intervals and to keep at least one spare rubber timing belt on hand (they don’t say it sarcastically…only that it will help give psychological peace of mind).
I do the same with my X1/9 Fiat Bertone. Once the timing belt broke, the alternatore light lit and i had to look for the very rare, 105 teeth belt, in a small Greek town close to the motorway. Out of pure luck the guy in the local repair shop had the rare spare. He told me that it was a leftover from a pack of Fiat belts delivered to him some time ago but he couldn’t figure out for what model it was suitable. He was happy that he was able to sell it finally.
Jensen Healey roadsters in decent shape are rare enough today, but the coupes are even more.. That does not necessarily equate to value though. They were not a high demand car even in their day, however there is still a following today with that Lotus motor. This a car for the person who knows them and not for a ‘chance’ buy. You can spend high $ getting one of these back in good running condition and never recoup it. Even selling it can be a large proposition……….
As a long time state side Triumph Stag owner, I can confirm that rarity does not equate to valuation… …but I personally have never been in this game for the money…