Jensen-Healey

Few cars are as misunderstood as the Jensen-Healey... but is it really a credible opponent to the Elan?

- Paul Wager 

Produced by Jensen with Donald Healey at the helm and twin-cam power from Lotus, the Jensen-Healey seemed like a winner on paper. Sadly, circumstances conspired against it and its detractors will tell you that the unlucky result was responsible for the ultimate downfall of its maker.

In reality, it’s likely that Jensen would have struggled to survive regardless. In 1962 Volvo had taken production of its P1800, (formerly assembled by Jensen) back to Sweden, while the formation of BMC in 1967 effectively meant the end for the Austin-Healey marque with the 3000 (also assembled by Jensen) axed in 1968.

With the formal arrangement between Healey and BMC ended in 1972, Healey found itself needing a new sports car and with Jensen having only its expensive Interceptor in production, it was looking for extra work.

It was no surprise that Healey and Jensen teamed up on the development of a new car and an ambitious launch date of 1970 was set. Interestingly, while Jensen had lofty ideas of using BMW straight-six or V8 engines, the Healeys had a more prosaic vision of using Vauxhall componentry.

The new car needed to be suitable for the US market and by then the US Healey importer (among other European brands) Kjell Qvale had taken a controlling financial interest in Jensen, anxious to provide a replacement for the Austin-Healeys he sold so many of.