I agree that the Jensen-Healey is an underappreciated BSC. However, I don't
think it really qualifies as a MGB alternative, for the following reason:
They didn't make 500,000 of them (not even close: 10,400 plus a few of the
"wagon" version); hence original parts are scarce, and replacement parts are
not widely reproduced or available cheaply.
Now, if you want an uncommon car, with decent performance, more in the
modern idiom (though not exactly up-to-date), and don't mind ferreting out
scarce items, it might make an interesting project.
But there is a reason that they can be had relatively cheaply -- low
demand, coupled with high restoration costs (relative to a B). I'm not
trying to discourage you -- saving one of these beasts would be a worthwhile
endeavor from a historical standpoint, if nothing else-- but it probably
wouldn't be a money-making proposition (any more than a B project), so you'd
have to trust that the driving experience was worth it. I've never even had
a ride in one myself, so I can't help you there.
on 9/18/02 2:37 PM, Kevin Smith at ksmith40@earthlink.net wrote:
> I'm always reading about folks making serious adjustments to MGB's. Items
> such as 5-Speed gearboxes and beefed up engines come to mind.
>
> Why not just buy a later model Jensen-Healey?
>
> You get your 5-speeds, your Lotus 907 engine, you even get a roadster thats
> British. I'm sure you will further enjoy the leaky top and rusty body
> panels as well, but then, don't we all? :)
>
> One reason I mention it is I read about a '74 JH going relatively cheap in
> "my daily driver" condition, which likely means its rusty and needs a
> engine rebuild. I'm still considering it if it hasn't sold yet, but it
> would definitely push back the completion date on my '68 restoration.
> Advice?
>
> Kevin Smith
> '68 MGB Roadster (under restoration)
> '72 MGB Roadster (rust growth experiment)
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
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