Well Kept MGB Alternative: 1973 Jensen Healey
In the world of the British sportscar, the MGB is, by and large, the most popular vehicle out there. Over 512,000 of these ubiquitous cars were built, and they still dominate British car shows. What if you want something different? If you desire a British sportscar that is definitely out of the mainstream, faithful reader TJ has the perfect alternative. Take a look at this 1973 Jensen Healey roadster for sale on Craigslist in Scottsboro, Alabama. This 72,000-mile example is fresh from an extended slumber and is offered at $6,950. Is this the car for you?
Purchasing a collector car always comes with its own set of issues. Being out of production for decades makes finding parts a hassle at times. Add to that the fact that many cars are orphans. Orphans are examples of marques that are no longer in business. When there are few examples still rolling around, there is a scant financial incentive for the aftermarket to produce needed parts. With the cost to tool up for simple parts already in the stratosphere, there has to be a guaranteed return on investment before the idea is entertained.
Technology is coming to the rescue in the form of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Sadly, rescue is still a long way out. Most folks take the easy way out and purchase a car that already has a robust aftermarket. That situation is only seen when a car was popular in its time. For example, you can build an MGB from the ground up with aftermarket parts. They may not be cheap, but they are plentiful. There are also a lot of used parts floating around as well.
What if you are a resourceful chap who doesn’t want to be the 20th MGB driver to pull onto the show field on Saturday? There are options from Triumph, Lotus, and a few other makers. However, this 1973 Jensen Healey may be just the ticket for you. This red drop-top is currently in the process of being returned to the road after a long slumber. The seller, who we assume is a mechanic or car dealer of some sort, has it sitting by the main road through the scenic town of Scottsboro, Alabama.
The Jensen Healey was a collaboration built by Jensen Motors and designer Donald Healey between 1972 and 1976. These roadsters were designed to be upmarket sports cars positioned between the Triumph TR6 and the Jaguar E-Type in the marketplace. Powered by a 1,973 cubic centimeter Lotus DOHC engine, these good-looking sports cars offered such niceties as disc brakes on the front and the options of leather interior and air conditioning. Over 10,000 were built before production ended.
This car spent its life in the great salt-free state of Georgia and is a very good example of how there are still good cars out there if you look. To awaken it from its big slumber, the seller drained the fuel, put in a new set of spark plugs, and added some fresh fuel. With that being done, the car started right up. From there, the seller replaced the convertible top, added a new set of tires, bolted up a new brake master cylinder, and installed a fresh battery. The timing belt, hoses, and all fluids are being tended to as you read this.
Once the refurbishment is complete, the buyer should be able to enjoy this relatively low-mileage sports car. Whoever buys it will get a lot of “what is it” questions at gas stations and such. However, this has all appearances of being a very good car at a reasonable price. Perhaps that Anglophile that is sick of MGs should make a trip down to Scottsboro.
Have you ever owned a Jensen Healey? If so, would you recommend one as an alternative to an MGB? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Comments
I read somewhere recently that, as the decade of the 1960s closed, Donald Healey was seeking a new venture – one aimed particularly at generating a replacement for the Austin Healey 3000. Kjell Qvale, a prominent US car dealer, also wanted a new car for his showrooms. Meanwhile, Jensen Motors, which made the bodies for Austin Healey, had capacity available. Thus was born this car. The reference will come to me, I’m sure…
Sure looks like a repeat from May 9th.
Jack is spot-on. Same car, same ad from 5/9.
Same car, but different authors and different takes.
Years ago i knew a guy that had one, he just had it painted a bright yellow, we were talking about it, and just as a joke i said i will give you $500 for it, he said he will think it over, a few days later he said yes and i quickly bought it and sold it for like $2,200, it ran great, but i had no room for it, and i still had my Europa.
The Jensen Healy was miles ahead of the MGB in every way. More power from the Lotus engine, better handling, braking and steering. This was a completely modern car while the MGB was stuck in 1962. And I’m an MGB enthusiast.
These cars were so close to hitting the ball but the c.a.r.b. choked the output and the u.s. laws gave bumpers such an awkward look but i believe the aftermarket can help with both these issues now .personally, i would need more than a lawnmower output to really enjoy this topless toy …
I’ve got the period magazines. The Jensen Healey actually retained most of its performance after federalization, remaining quicker than an Alfa-Romeo or any other British roadster available new short of a V12 Jaguar. It would certainly run rings around a stock Cosworth Vega, which used similar specifications to deliver 30 fewer horsepower to the new car buyer.
There are plenty of sources for parts for these cars, both here in the US and the UK. 140 horsepower doesn’t sound like much today but in 73 that was plenty for a 2100 pound car. With the exception of the engine these are simple cars to work on and a blast to drive. I had mine out yesterday in 90 degree heat with no issues. The prices on these cars has been creeping up and I’m sure they will continue to do so.
I have the feeling an MGB is going to be a lot more reliable…
“Good-looking sports car”? To each his own, I guess. Very bland looking to me. IIRC, even Car & Driver described it as looking like “a codfish eating a Hershey bar”.
Either someone liked it or owner changed his mind – listing has been deleted.
Jensen-Healeys are totally under-rated sports cars. Inexpensive, mostly simple, good handling, rooomy, etc. Had a lot of fun with a friend’s JH on Colorado backroads, some of them dirt. Parts? That’s what parts cars are for. Go look at past sales on BringATrailer.