[Healeys] semi off-topic

[Peter Svilans]

Jensens acquired the four-litre Austin engine as an appeasement from Leonard
Lord to Richard Jensen, for copying closely the Jensen PW sedan to produce
their very similar looking Austin Sheerline sedan in 1948.

The motor was used in the Jensen PW sedan & drophead (PW for Post-War,
intended as a Bentley-fighter), as well as in the low, sleek, aluminum-bodied,
100 mph Jensen Interceptor.

The 3,993 cc six-cylinder motor was intended to pull the heavy luxury
Sheerline sedan, and so put out a strong (for 1949) 130 bhp at 4,000 rpm.  It
was based on the 1939 3.5 litre Austin "K" truck motor, and used a single
downdraft Zenith Stromberg carb.  Later versions used in the Austin Princess
had optional triple SU carbs. The Princess survived until 1968 in mostly the
wedding and funeral trade.

 The motors were coupled to four speed column shift gearboxes (which didn't do
as well as three-speeders) and a bit later got overdrive.

Too bad the Jensen didn't survive along with the motor.

Best
Peter