Lot Ended
Description
Sought after and rarer
'MK1' example; twin-Cam 16-valve Lotus engine; reported thorough rebuild of
engine and gearbox; new mohair hood and seat covers; driven to the sale
The Jensen-Healey was conceived
as a modern successor to the Austin-Healey 3000, with Jensen Motors and Donald
Healey combining forces to create a new generation of British sports car. Built
at Jensen’s West Bromwich factory, the two-seat roadster featured traditional
styling alongside more modern engineering, most notably Colin Chapman’s
2.0-litre, 16-valve Lotus 907 twin-cam engine. With around 140bhp, rear-wheel
drive and a four-speed manual gearbox, the Jensen-Healey offered impressive
performance and genuine open-top appeal.
Manufactured in 1972, this
particular ‘MK1’ example left the factory in red before later being re-painted
in the iconic light blue synonymous with the model. The MK1 being considerably
rarer than the later MK2.
Having owned the car since 2017,
our Vendor informs us the car has a ‘completely rebuilt engine and
carburettors’, with the head skimmed and all new piston rings and bearing
shells. He also tells us it has a ‘rebuilt 4 speed gearbox with two new
synchromesh rings’ as well as a ‘rebuilt overdrive with new
solenoid’.
Other replaced parts include the
prop shaft joints, suspension bushes and joints, stainless steel fuel tanks and
a re-cored radiator to name but a few.
Cosmetically, the car presents in
fair condition having benefited from a new mohair hood and refurbished seats.
Our Vendor also tells us that the wheels were refurbished relatively recently,
with new tyres fitted. The paintwork would benefit from some attention, with the
Vendor agreeing that a good cut and polish would improve matters, while a few
minor dings remain present.
Driven to the sale and around
site for photography and video, this little Jensen presents an affordable entry
point into the world of British sports cars, offering a usable and enjoyable
example with scope for further cosmetic improvement if desired. Accompanied by a
folder of invoices, this is surely one worth a
look.
Contact:
jack.kenneally-perrin@brightwells.com