British Cars Restoration & Performance

Chris Askin's Jensen Healey

Chris' 74 Jensen Healey has undergone major restoration and is almost done.

During good weather months, he drives it daily between his home in Trukee, CA and Reno, NV.

The Jensen Healey and Jensen GT were built by Jensen Motors Ltd. of West Bromwich, England from March 1972 until May 1976. A little over 10,000 convertibles were manufactured during this time.

All Jensen Healey and Jensen GT automobiles came equipped with the brand-new 2 litre, 16-valve Lotus built 907 engine. Home market and European destination cars had twin 40mm Dellorto carburetors while U.S. Federal destination cars came with twin Stromberg carburetors.

Chris’ car is a 1974 Jensen Healey, originally bought in San Diego. He purchased the car in 1991 and is the fourth owner. He uses the car as a daily driver in the summer and enjoys the mountain roads between his home in Truckee and work in Reno.

Over the past few years he’s had the car completely rebuilt mechanically, redone the interior, gotten the body repaired and repainted, and hopes to finish up in 2006 with straightened bumpers, new wheels, and a new top. Upgrades include better shocks, front/rear anti-sway bars, and a great stereo system that he can hear over the wind.