Jensen Healey without a Ferrin’ Engine

Most enthusiasts likely remember the Jensen Healey for its engine – the all-aluminum Lotus 907 twin-cam four cylinder.  This was one of the very first production 16-valve fours and was known for great high-RPM power and not a lot of low-end torque.  Apparently, one Jensen Healey owner wanted the opposite, so this car received a Ford 302 V8, making it into something of a Jensen-Tiger.

This could be an entertaining combination, but this was is held back a bit.  Again, most would think of rowing a nice, five-speed manual through the gears in this car, but our subject car involves sticking it in drive and hitting the gas.  Easy?  Yes.  Lots of fun?  TBD.

The interior on this car needs attention and the seller claims the gas tank needs a cleaning, but that the car will run on starting fluid.

Click for Craigslist ad
Lakeside, CA
$3,000 OBO

These always had cool lines and the hardtop is a bonus.  The wheels on this one are a bit too modern, though.  Miata??

Dual-tip exhaust looks like it is held on with bailing wire.  Might want to take a look at that.

Here’s the tired interior.  It has spent some time in the sun and I wonder what’s salvageable.

Roll bar is an interesting touch for a car with an automatic swapped in.

Ford 302 means you can buy basic parts at Walgreen’s.  It’s a pretty good fit here…

Ad text:

1974 Jensen Healey convertible, dark green paint, 2 seater, has custom fitted Ford 302 V8 engine and C4 automatic transmission, Cobra aluminum valve covers, newer roll bar installed, newer aluminum wheels and comes with original ones too, has power steering, power front disc brakes, removable fiberglass hard top, early model with chrome bumpers, fiberglass front spoiler, some rust in front floor pans and some in the front of the hood, interior is sun baked, been sitting for about 2 years due to broken throttle cable and no time to fix, engine will run on starting fluid, disconnected the fuel tank due to old gas inside, needs to be cleaned out, complete car, great project, needs restoration but easy to get back on the road.

Clean title, non-opp registration so no back fees, NO SMOG needed although it is certified smog legal.

Sell for $3000 obo.


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