With Jensen revived (again) and gearing up to produce the S-V8 roadster later in 2000, we dip back into their history and look at the last roadster to bear the Jensen name.

Known better for their huge V8 Interceptors of the 1960's (including the four wheel drive FF), by the late 60's Jensen were looking to produce a new cheaper car to do battle in the next decade.

Donald Healey, fresh from a stint at the British Motor Corporation - together with his son Geoffrey - worked with Jensen to provide the inspiration that made the sexy Austin Healeys such a success a few years previously.

The charisma that the Austin Healeys of the 60's failed to be recreated with styling that can only be described as bland. This was mounted on an mediocre chassis based on Vauxhall Viva components. The saving grace was the engine - a 1973cc Lotus 907 double overhead cam, four valves per cylinder unit producing 144bhp, propelling the car to a respectable 119mph and passing 60mph in 8.7 seconds. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1972 it was only 1973 before a Mark II version was launched. The engine was modified to answer criticisms of oil leaks and minor modifications were made to the styling. Another minor upgrade was made late in 1974 when the ugly 5mph rubber bumpers were added for the benefit of our friends in the US Government.

		Profits and British car manufacturers rarely go hand in hand with Jensen being no exception. A smaller car should have proved good timing with the oil crisis of the early 70's killing off many gas guzzlers.  The oil crisis did eventually claim Jensen with sales of the Interceptors plummetting and the company went into liquidation in 1975. Over 10,000 Jensen-Healeys had been sold, but many sales were in the USA making it a relatively unknown car in the UK.

A sporting estate named the Jensen GT almost kept the model alive for another 100 models with a well sorted engine, five speed Getrag gearbox, electric windows and optional air conditioning. Possibly being priced too highly it couldn't prevent the Jensen finally shutting up shop in 1976.