Information about our cars
Jensen
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Origin
Once British Leyland withdrew the agreement with the Healey Company to produce Austin-Healeys,
the company started
looking for another way of producing sportscars, and in collaboration with US importer Kjell Qvale the Jensen Healey
was created, and built by Jensen Motors, with Donald Healey as Managing Director.
Eventually, strikes,parts shortages, inflation, the oil crisis and bad economic conditions contributed the demise of
Jensen Motors in May, 1976. |
Specification
Engine
All Jensen Healey models used the new 1973 cc Lotus 907 engine, a two litre, twin overhead cam, 16 valve, all alloy
engine, developing 144 brake horsepower giving 119 mph and a 0-60 time of in 8.7 seconds
Carburetors
Europe - twin Dellortos
US - Strombergs.
Suspension (Vauxhall Firenza unless otherwise noted)
Front - double wishbone and coil springs
Rear - live axle with trailing arms and coil springs
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| Jensen Healey. Photos Bill Emerson
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Brakes
Front - Discs (Morris Marina)
Rear - drums at the rear.
Steering
Rack and pinion
Variations and production numbers
Mark 1
Jensen Healey, convertible, Mark 1. March 1972 - May 1973. 3,356 built
Four speed Chrysler gearbox unit from the Sunbeam Rapier
Mark 2
Jensen Healey, convertible, Mark 2. August 1973 - May 1976
7,142 built (total of early and late versions)
Performance and mechanical specification remain the same as the Mark1 but trim level was upgraded
- wood facia added to the dash, padded centre console, floor carpeting & additional bright work details
added to exterior.
Round cornered headlight cowl with one piece front wings. Steel rear bumpers stand off body a few extra inches
compared to mark 1 in preparation for impact bumpers seen in late Mk2s.
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| Jensen GT. Photo HealeyNeil
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Early
August 1973 - December 1974 (approx)
Number built - unknown
4 Speed gearbox
Late
December 1974 (approx) - August 1975
Number built - unknown
GETRAG five speed gearbox
Impact Bumpers
Jensen GT
Not strictly a Healey as it was built by Jensen after DMH had left, but it shares its mechanical components and
frontal design with the convertibles, but has a different, estate body.
4 seat estate. 5 speed.
September 1975 - May 1976
Number manufactured - 509
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