$5,700
When production of the Austin-Healey 3000 came to an end, British designer Donald Healey, and a major Austin-Healey dealer in the US named Kjell Qvale approached Jensen Motors with a proposition. The goal was simple, create a vehicle to replace the 3000. Shortly after, Qvale became a major shareholder of Jensen and subsequently installed Healey as the acting chairman.
When production of the Austin-Healey 3000 came to an end, British designer Donald Healey, and a major Austin-Healey dealer in the US named Kjell Qvale approached Jensen Motors with a proposition. The goal was simple, create a vehicle to replace the 3000. Shortly after, Qvale became a major shareholder of Jensen and subsequently installed Healey as the acting chairman.
The Jensen-Healey was developed with several aspects in mind. The Jensen team wanted to have a low-profile engine, allow for space to fit US-approved bumpers, and a unitary body that was easy to repair. All three goals were achieved, and the tiny sports car was quickly celebrated by enthusiasts thanks to its wonderful on-road capability and excellent handling. Roughly 10,503 units of the Jensen-Healey Roadster were built between 1972 and 1976.
Finished in a light yellow, the Roadster looks ready for action. The body panels are straight and panel gaps are smooth aside from the hood. Viewers with a keen eye will notice that the front chin splitter for the vehicle is missing in the hero photos, but present in the exterior photos. The piece is included with the car, but we believe a professional will be needed to get the piece reattached. Down low, the Healey wheels present nicely, but corrosion does seem to rear its ugly head in the black trim at the bottom of the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Inside the car, we see a humble black leather interior. The trunk appears to be full of several items, all of which are included with the vehicle. As a general note, the interior would benefit greatly from a deep cleaning. Most of the pieces present well but have a layer of grime that holds all the affected pieces back from greatness. Although exterior shots of the roof are hard to come by, we can see that the inside of the folding roof has aged nicely. It also appears that a previous owner took the time to have an aftermarket Kenwood stereo installed for an added touch of modern convenience, and the box for that piece is one of the items found in the trunk.
A number of engines were considered while developing the Roadster. Jensen-Healey tried power units from Vauxhall, Ford, and BMW, but all of them failed. The Vauxhall motor wasn’t clean enough for US emissions regulations, the Ford motor had crippling supply chain issues, and the BMW engine could not be built fast enough to meet Jensen-Healey’s own demands. The team then approached Lotus, and subsequently fell in love with the 907, a dual overhead cam, 16-valve, all-alloy, four-cylinder engine. Following selection, the 907 became “the first modern dual overhead cam 4 valve per cylinder engine to be mass-produced on an assembly line.” Capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, the lightweight motor received much praise for creating perfect 50/50 weight distribution in the vehicle. Today’s offering possesses the 907 mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
In 1974, the Roadster was titled in East Meadow, New York. 37 years later, the car was still registered in New York but under a different entity, and then went to Bonhams for auction. That’s correct, this is not the first time this Roadster has passed through Bonhams’ hands. In fact, it was purchased by today’s seller at Bonhams’ own Greenwich Concours d’Elegance live sale in 2011. Back then, the car was offered with only 49,000 miles from new. Today, 11 years later, the car is offered 49,105 miles from new.
Fitting in perfectly above the Triumph TR6, and just barely beneath the Jaguar E-Type, the Jensen Healey Roadster hit its stride as an affordable everyday sports car that was lightweight and easy to fix. The Lotus 4-cylinder motor played a major role in getting the weight distribution to a perfect 50/50, and the results behind the wheel were astounding. While the corrosion down by the side skirts should be thoroughly investigated, today’s example presents nicely both inside and out. The jubilant little Roadster leaves us feeling quite confident the value lies somewhere right in the middle of its $10,000 - $20,000 estimate.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS
It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.
We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.
Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.
