Jensen-Healey
The Jensen -Healey is an open sports car that was produced 1972-1976 by the British automobile manufacturer Jensen Motors. In total, more than 10,000 vehicles left the factory in West Bromwich. He added as a lower cost model the exclusive sports car of the Interceptor series, built 1967-1976 at Jensen.
History
Jensen had made from 1959 to 1967 about 10,000 bodies for the Austin Healey 3000; so had been utilized well over the years, the body shop. Following the cessation of production of the 3000 Jensen had first tried to utilize the capacities freed by the self-developed Jensen P66; formally perceived as unconvincing car did not, however, in series. Instead, Jensen focused on the production of significantly larger Interceptor. In the late 1960s, American importer Kjell Qvale Jensen was looking for a successor to the Austin -Healey 3000, which had sold well in the United States. After negotiations with Donald Mitchell Healey and Jensen Motors Kjell Qvale rose as a shareholder at Jensen. The development of the Jensen -Healey was eventually a joint venture between Donald Healey, his son Geoffrey and Jensen Motors.
The design
The Jensen -Healey was initially offered as a small two-seater roadster with a soft top. An optional hardtop was available. As part of the facelift to the Jensen -Healey Mk.2 addition to technical modifications and the interior has been revised and the sports car received larger bumpers made of plastic, which corresponded to the American guidelines. Today, the first series of the Jensen -Healey is called Mk.1. Shortly before the bankruptcy of Jensen Motors in 1976, was presented based on the Jensen -Healey Jensen GT. The two-seater wagon-coupé in the tradition of Shooting Brakes in the style of Snow White coffin Volvo P1800 ES, the base, the Volvo P1800 was manufactured until 1963 when Jensen. As Donald Healey had already retired at that time out of the business, Jensen had to do without the addition Healey.
The technique
During the development of an unusual combination of engines was tested. In the discussion aggregates were from Ford, BMW, Saab and Porsche. Ultimately, the new Lotus was chosen 907 four-cylinder engine with 1973 cc engine, which should then be used in 1976 in the Lotus Esprit. The engine with double overhead camshaft ( OHC valve control), 16 valves and two Dell'Orto carburettors ( for the U.S. market Stromberg carburetors were used ) makes the Jensen -Healey 144 hp. Enough for a top speed of over 190 km / h and an acceleration in 8.7 seconds from zero to 60 miles.
The Mk.1 used in the four -speed transmission from Chrysler was replaced with a five-speed transmission from Getrag in the Mk.2.
Even with suspension and brakes you relied on the use of proven technology. The front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs also came from the Vauxhall Firenza, as the rear rigid axle with coil springs, the steering gear and the rear brake system. Only the front braking system originates from the Triumph Spitfire.
Technical Problems
Especially the first vehicles in the new series had technical problems which could largely be solved within the framework of the facelift, however. Loss of engine oil due to bad seals but also a bad processing of the body influenced the reputation as unreliable car. Typical of the British sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s is also susceptibility to rust of the whole body.
Models, quantities and prices
- Jensen -Healey Mk.1 ( 03/1972-05/1973 ): 3357 Vehicles
- Jensen -Healey Mk.2 ( 08/1973-08/1975 ): 7146 Vehicles
- Jensen GT ( 09/1975-05/1976 ): 511 vehicles
Of these 11,014, only 39 vehicles were sold in Germany. The sale price was approximately 27,000 DM For comparison: a 1974 Golf I cost about DM 8,000, a Mercedes 450 SL around 38,000 DM and 80,000 DM Jensen Interceptor Convertible
On the classic car market, the prices for a roadworthy Jensen -Healey depending on the condition 5000-13000 euros.
Pictures
Rear of the Jensen GT
The engine came from Lotus