Description

1974 Jensen-Healey

Wife and husband owned from nearly new; only 21,800 miles; stunning original condition; hard top; period orange; '70s cool in every way

This remarkable Jensen-Healey MkII was sold to its first owner through Malaya Garage in Sussex in January 1974.

It came with the customary two-litre Twin-Cam Lotus engine and was ordered in Tangerine Orange with Tan trim. It was specified with the optional Lenham-supplied black vinyl covered hard top complete with heated rear window. This has clearly remained on the car for most of the time as the original soft top is still with the car showing very little sign of use. Its first owner used the car sparingly, covering just 13,300 miles before part-exchanging it for another model, again through Malaya Garage.

They sold it to its second owner, Mrs Sansom. She shared the car with her husband, but they only managed to take the mileage to 21,483 miles during the period 1977 to 1984, at which point the car was put into storage.

Mr Sansom pulled the car from storage in 2011 and carried out various recommissioning tasks, although it was soon put back into storage until 2019 when it was recommissioned once more and MOTd at 21,614 miles, covering just a few miles more the following year when the MOT showed 21,769 miles.

The car was subsequently offered for auction and purchased by our vendor who has spent considerable time and effort improving the car, yet retaining all of its originality. It remains in superb original condition.

The history file is extensive, including an original Jensen workshop manual and parts list. Also included is the current V5C showing two former keepers – its original owner and Mrs and now Mr Sansom, the old style V5c, the original bill of sale from Malaya Garage when sold to the Sansoms for £2,200, the MOT history, the handbook and service book (four stamps to 1977 and 13,051 miles) and details of the Lenham hardtop. There is also some general information on the model including a period reprint of the Autocar Road Test from 1972.

It is both running and driving, the vendor advising that it needs to properly warm up before performing smoothly as it should. The condition is as we have said, quite remarkable. It must be a reference car for the marque and has been very nicely prepared post storage without overdoing it or losing its appeal in any way.

It gives a fascinating glimpse back into the 1970s, with its period colour combination and ‘70s retro interior – we love it. You really won’t find anything else quite like it anywhere else…

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com