JENSEN-HEALEY
As the Jensen-healey hits its 50th birthday we’ve got all the help you need when it comes to buying the best and avoiding the worst
‘The punchy Lotus-developed twin-cam engine provides ample pace and noise’
Fancy a Jensen but can’t quite stretch to the extravagance of an Interceptor? Then this will do very nicely, and whether you want a traditional drop-top or something more practical the Jensenhealey has got both bases covered.
Launched in 1972 it garnered plenty of interest from public and motoring press alike but subsequent sales were slightly disappointing and even the attractive GT couldn’t lift things; just 500 or so of those were made. A reputation for iffy quality and reliability didn’t help matters but with excellent club and specialist support on hand that’s not something you have to worry about today. Instead you can just enjoy a British classic that boasts an impressively comfortable and roomy cabin and an entertaining driving experience. That latter aspect is thanks in large part to the punchy Lotusdeveloped twin-cam engine that provides ample pace and a characterful noise, but this is a car that handles and rides extremely well, too.
Whether it’s some Sunday morning B-road fun or a longer journey the J-H can deliver, so it’s a very tempting proposition if you’re after a do-it-all classic. And there’s more positivity, not least the fact that there’s a range of upgrades that can make these cars perform and drive even better, as well as enhancing inherent reliability.
It’s perhaps no surprise that values are finally enjoying the boost that they’ve arguably been lacking, and if that continues in the short to medium term then now is a very good time to bag one of your own.