1975 Jensen GT

One of only 230 UK RHD cars produced, 1 of 4 in Jensen Silver Grey

Full ground-up restoration, engine overhaul and refreshed interior

'Torque Technique' stainless-steel exhaust and new braking system

Ubiquitous Lotus 2-litre twin-cam engine, Getrag gearbox and rear-wheel drive

When the Jensen Healey convertible was introduced in 1972 it became obvious that there were a few issues with the reliability of the Lotus Type 907 1973cc engine, but by the time the Jensen GT was introduced in September 1975 (they had dropped the Healey part in the name as Donald Healey had now left the company) most of the early teething troubles had been ironed out. The sports estate proved to be quite a competent and practical road car with Lotus Twin-Cam 144 bhp engine now mated to a 5-speed Getrag gearbox, 2 + 2 seating, and a reasonably sized boot. Under the shadow of the industrial crisis of the 1970s including rising fuel costs which saw the demise of the big-engined Interceptors, Jensen Motors went into liquidation in May 1976 meaning that the GT production run only lasted 9 months with a total of only 509 cars built, less than half being right-hand drive.

OSC 543P had been dry-stored for many years and therefore was not suffering from the usual corrosion issues (the factory went to some lengths to rust-proof the GT shells to a better standard) and this was one of the factors that persuaded the current custodian to undertake a full ground-up restoration of this rare model. Starting with a bare metal respray, fresh parts were added during the re-build, with as many as possible of those being original Jensen. The engine was overhauled and serviced by Airey Tuning of Cheriton in Hampshire, the whole braking system replaced and/or refurbished and the car was fitted with a new windscreen, new fuel tank, fuel lines and a new stainless-steel exhaust from Torque Technique.

Resplendent in Jensen Silver Grey (1 of only 4 built) sitting on the correct black and silver refurbished alloy wheels, with a refreshed black corduroy velour/Ambla interior with reworked Walnut facia, this GT is offered with an MoT with no advisories valid until 13th of August 2019. With only two previous owners, and the V5C showing the current registered owner since 1978, the car is also supplied with a Jensen sales brochure and handbooks.

With handsome and understated styling, Grand-touring practicality, and a genuine Lotus/Healey performance pedigree, the Jensen GT was ahead of its time and it's just a shame that worldwide factors led to the demise of the parent company.