Jensen-Healey
Keen to find a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000, and urged on by US- dealer Kjell Qvale, Donald Healey approached Jensen which had been building the bodies for the open two-seater. A joint-venture was agreed and the car was styled in part by William Towns of Aston Martin Lagonda and Bulldog fame.
Following the 3000’s pattern of using an established platform, the Jensen-Healey largely used Vauxhall Firenza underpinnings but its engine was found to be lacking. Colin Chapman offered the new Lotus twin-cam, multivalve four-cylinder unit which produced a healthy 146PS (107kW) and became the first DOHC, 156-valve engine to go into mass production. Intended to slot between the TR6 and ageing E-type, the Jensen-Healey’s formula seemed spot on but it launched in an era of oil crises and strike action. In its four years on sale just a little over 10,000 were made which still makes in the bestselling Jensen of all time, comfortably beating the Interceptor.