Istorie
The Jensen-Healey MK II was launched at the 1972 edition of the Geneva Motor Show. Born from a collaboration between Donald Healey (of Austin-Healey) and Jensen Motors, the Jensen-Healey was designed to fit in a market between the Triumph TR6 and the Jaguar E-Type. A total of 7,146 MK II were produced.
Full description
The Jensen-Healey MK II was launched at the 1972 edition of the Geneva Motor Show. Born from a collaboration between Donald Healey (of Austin-Healey) and Jensen Motors, the Jensen-Healey was designed to fit in a market between the Triumph TR6 and the Jaguar E-Type. A luxurious, comfortable, and highly capable two-seater roadster, the Jensen-Healey earned high marks from critics and consumers alike.
On paper, the Jensen-Healey should have been wildly successful. It was lighter than the Triumph TR6 and had 40 more horsepower. With a perfect 50-50 weight distribution and a 144 horsepower coming from an all alloy, 16 valve, twin cam Lotus 907 with twin Stromberg carburettors. This car proved to be extremely successful both on track and on the roads.
The Mk.2, which was introduced two years after the first model’s production began, was upgraded with a 5-speed transmission and a more luxurious interior. In August 1973, aesthetic extras such as a clock, wood grain on the dashboard and glove-box, padding, as well as air conditioning (as an option) were added. Top speed was approximately 201 km/h, with 0-100km/h coming up in 8 seconds. It was relatively expensive at $4,795, but not so much so as to be prohibitive.
The car possessed roughly the same dimensions as other smallish British sports cars, though it was quite unique in appearance. It had no grille, just a slab bumper with intake beneath it, and had no exterior chrome embellishments at first. Aside from the Lotus engine, the suspension and rack-and-pinion steering were sourced from Vauxhall, Sunbeam provided the gearbox, and Triumph donated the brakes. Sales were slow, in part due to labour troubles and quality control problems. Big bumpers were also added to appease American regulations.
Being a convertible two-seater performance sports car from a prestige car builder the Jensen-Healey scores highly as a collectible car. A total of 7,146 MK II were produced.
