Jensen-Healey
| Jensen-Healey | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Jensen Motors |
| Production | 1972–76 |
| Assembly | West Bromwich, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door convertible |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | Jensen GT |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L Lotus 907 I4 (petrol) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm) |
| Length | 162 in (4,115 mm) |
| Width | 63 in (1,600 mm) |
| Height | 48 in (1,219 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 2,408 lb (1,092 kg) |
The Jensen-Healey (1972–76) is a British two-seater convertible sports car, the best-selling Jensen of all time. In total 10,503 (10 prototypes, 3,347 Mk.1 and 7,146 Mk.2) were produced by Jensen Motors Ltd. in West Bromwich, England. A related fastback, the Jensen GT, was introduced in 1975.
Launched in 1972 as a fast, luxurious and competent convertible sports car, it was positioned in the market between the Triumph TR6 and the Jaguar E-Type. The 50/50 weight balance achieved by the use of the all alloy Lotus 907 engine led to universal praise as having excellent handling.
With the demise of the Austin-Healey 3000, Donald Healey opened discussions with Jensen Motors, who had built the bodies for Healey's Austin-Healey cars. The largest Austin Healey Car Dealer in the US Kjell Qvale was also keen to find a replacement to the Austin-Healey 3000 then became a major shareholder of Jensen, making Donald Healey the chairman. The Jensen-Healey was designed in a joint venture by Donald Healey, his son Geoffery, and Jensen Motors. Hugo Poole did the styling of the body, the front and back of which were later modified by William Towns to take advantage of the low profile engine and to allow cars for the U.S. market to be fitted with bumpers to meet increasing U.S. regulations. The unitary body understructure was designed by Barry Bilbie, who had been responsible for the Austin-Healey 100, 100-6 and 3000 as well as the Sprite. It was designed to be easy to repair, with bolt-on panels, to keep insurance premiums down.
In 1973, United States Government-mandated rubber bumpers were attached. In 1974 "5mph" bumpers were required.
Various engines were tried out in the prototype stage including Vauxhall, Ford and BMW units. The Vauxhall 2.3 L engine met United States emission requirements but did not meet the power target of 130 hp (97 kW). A German Ford V6 was considered but industrial action crippled supply. BMW could not supply an engine in the volumes needed. Colin Chapman of Lotus offered, and Jensen accepted his company's new 1973 cc Lotus 907 engine, a two-litre, dual overhead cam, 16-valve all-alloy powerplant. This multi-valve engine is the first modern dual overhead cam 4 valve per cylinder engine to be mass-produced on an assembly line. This setup puts out approximately 144 bhp (107 kW), topping out at 119 mph (192 km/h) and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds (8.1 seconds for the emission controlled U.S. version).
...
Wikipedia