1974 Jensen Healey Base Convertible 2-Door 2.0L

Up for sale is this stunning 1974 Jensen Healey. The unsung hero of British sports cars.This is easily one of the best examples of this rare British roadster on the planet. It was a two owner Southern California car when I purchased it, he last owner having bought it in 1986.Just to confirm from the outset, his is a rust free car.The 96,000 mile Jensen Healey received an extensive restoration about 2,000 miles ago in 2004-2005. This included a complete motor out rebuild of the famous Lotus 907 power plant. The rebuild included upgraded pistons, ams and rotating assemblies. Heads were machined and professionally reassembled. Twin euro-spec Dolerto carburetors replaced the smog tuned Strombergs and a custom made tuned port ram air intake system was installed. The build was finished out with Ansa Automotive performance headers and exhaust system, pgraded radiator, i capacity oil cooler, igh pressure fuel regulator and a Mallory HyFire electronic ignition systemWhile the motor was out the front end was rebuilt and the car received a high quality repaint in the original red color. Steering, rakes and suspension were also refreshed.The Jensen Healey (JH) was produced between 1972 and 1976. With a total production run of 10,453 of which 7,709 came state side. Compare that to the 56,564 Triumph TR6's produced over that same five year run and you get an idea of the scarcity of these cars. The JH featured superior creature comforts compared to its sparsely trimmed TR6 or MGB British competitors. Interiors are more on par with the Italian Spiders of the day. Many consider the JH more akin to the E-Type Jag roadsters than these others.Of course the most important advantage the JH holds over all its British or Italian roadster competitors is in performance and horsepower. Built around the legendary high revving Lotus 907 2.0 liter double overhead cam 45' slant four cylinder the JH drivetrain was a significant departure from the torquey though rather dated overhead valve units in the other Brits. In fact even with the US emissions choked motors the JH still pumped out 140hp compared to the rather paltry 105 of the TR6 and a puny 79 of the MGB. At just over 2600 pound this is a serious performance car, n fact JH took home SCCA championships in 1973 and 1974.This JH runs very strong, ertainly putting out more than than the stock 140 horsepower and 130 pounds of torque. Figure in the the up rated internals, elorto carb conversion, olid state ignition control and free breathing intake and exhaust and you are more likely looking at an easy 30 hp bump. The car shifts up and down and runs cool under all driving conditions. In light of the 7000 rpm redline, ruising 70 mph at just under 4000 rpm is neither raucous or tiring. The sounds that the little Lotus makes is ear candy and there is plenty of torque to press you back in the seat when called upon. It steers and stops perfectly and with 50/50 weight distribution the handling is superb. Clutch is strong and tires are like new.Of course all the talk about how it rolls does not diminish how it shows. The JH is at the same time as elegant as an Alfa and as muscular as a Triumph. The slant four allows for a long low graceful (ala Italian) hood treatment, hich in turn gives the car the appearance of a much wider stance than the Triumph even on its smaller 13" wheels.The interior of this car is upscale and very comfortable; much roomier than other roadsters in its class. The door panels are in excellent condition and the gauges are clear. The original steering wheel is also in excellent condition and has a look and feel that transcends the era. The sheepskin seat covers shown in the photos are in great condition and never come out because they are so comfortable, ool in summer warm in winter. Underneath the black vinyl seats have no rips, ears or worn thin areas. The carpet and mats show little to no wear or fading. The vinyl top is solid and and keeps you dry but is a little tired in a few seams. A nice canvas Robbins top would be a great addition to the car. Of course I have to admit I have NEVER driven this car with the top up. The tonnoeau cover fits snug and looks great. There are a few signs of age on the original wood trim pieces on the lower console, ut nothing to really apologize for. Finally, ike the timeless piece of automotive history that this JH is, he clock is frozen in timeIt is amazing to me how a comparable condition TR6 is pushing into the high $20k's while a JH like this one is still in the high teens. I guess the market is what it is and more people remember and connect with and bid up the prices on the Triumph. Lucky for the real enthusiasts, hey can benefit from the relative obscurity and terrific value of the Jensen Healey. At least that is for the time being.This car is located in Scottsdale, rizona (85254) and as I am offering it for sale locally I reserve the right to end the auction early per ebay policy. Pre-purchase inspection is encouraged. Ask your questions and get permission to buy prior to placing a bid. Bidders with less than 5 feedback please email indicating your serious intent to buy. The car is sold as is where is with no warranty implied or otherwise on a clean California title. I will store the car for a maximum of two weeks, onger for a fee. I can arrange shipping for a fee as well.