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1972

Jensen Jensen-Healey

Donald Healey's last sports car, with a Lotus 16-valve engine.

JHY 72K
Jensen Jensen-Healey
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

When the Austin-Healey 3000 died, Donald Healey teamed up with Jensen to build its successor. The car handled well and was quick, but early engines leaked oil and the warranty bills were heavy.

Inside

A plain black cabin with clear dials and room for two tall people. Later cars gained wood trim.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Tangerine
Did you know?

It was Jensen's best-selling model ever, yet the company closed in 1976.

Meanwhile, in 1972

A miners' strike brought power cuts across the country.

Best-selling single of 1972: Amazing Grace by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Band

Buying and running

Before you buy a 1970s car

  • Rust is common in sills, wheel arches, front panels and the bottom of the doors.
  • Check the wiring and electrics carefully, as they age badly.
  • Many volume-selling cars still have good parts support, but badge-engineered and low-volume models can be harder to source.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

Triumph TR61969 · 120 mphCompare
Morgan Plus 81968 · 124 mphCompare
TVR 3000M1972 · 121 mphCompare

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.

Flat out 020406080100120140 MPH
119 mph
First builtMarch 1972, Geneva Motor Show
Age today54 years since launch
Built atWest Bromwich, West Midlands
On sale1972–1976
Years in production4 years
Number madeAbout 10,500
Kerb weight1,000 kg (approx.)
Fuel economy27 mpg combined (approx.)
Engine2.0-litre Lotus 16-valve four
Power140 bhp
Top speed119 mph
Speed rankingJoint 88th fastest of 164
0–60 mph7.8 seconds
Price when new£1,810
In today's moneyAbout £31,000
Designed byWilliam Towns

Today's money: the launch price adjusted for inflation to 2026, using the Office for National Statistics price index.