Jensen-Healey History

Healey Journal

This section describes what I've been able to learn of the car's past. The car's history is well known, with a complete list of its former owners obtained from the DVLA (the car licensing and registration bureau for the UK). When I bought the car and registered my ownership I sent in a form with a £5 fee enquiring about the car's past owners, citing a historical interest. I received a list of the former owners with their dates of ownership, locations and notes of any changes that the DVLA had been told about. These are noted below except for the owner's names and street addresses which have been withheld to guard their privacy.

The car is notable for being one of the very few used as a company car by Jensen employees. I understand that its first user was Mr. Iain Royal, who was the company's Service and Parts Manager. I then could expect that it was well maintained. It was originally "mustard" colored. Just before the car was sold to a private buyer Jensen replaced the engine on 22/10/1974. Jensen sold the car to a dealer in Swansea, Wales who on 25/11/1974 sold it to a buyer in Cardiff, Wales that kept it almost exactly two years. The rest of its history until I acquired it is shown below. I bought it in 2006 after it had been advertized on e-bay; but only after going and thoroughly inspecting it and taking it for a test drive. I found it to be in good condition, though the engine burned oil excessively and needed attention. Given the ready availability of later factory high-performance components from Lotus I thought this would make a very nice acquisition and bought it.

Year

19/9/2006-	Owner: James Wilson Location: Glasgow Information: Engine Replaced/Upgraded 11/2008
4/2/2004	Owner: Known but Withheld Location: Otley, North Yorkshire Information: 7/4/2004: Color Change to Red
12/1/1995	Owner: Known but Withheld Location: Royston Information
1/8/1989	Owner: Known but Withheld Location: Cambridge Information
2/11/1977	Owner: Known but Withheld Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire Information
28/11/1976	Owner: Known but Withheld Location: Wakefield, Yorkshire Information
25/11/1974	Owner: Known but Withheld Location: Cardiff Information
22/10/1974	Owner: Dealer Location: Swansea Information   Owner: Jensen Motors Location: West Bromwich Information New Engine
12/12/1972	Owner: Jensen Motors- First User: Iain Royal, Service & Parts Manager. Location: West Bromwich Information First Registration, Built 5/12/1972: Mustard Color	I believe Iain Royal is one of the three people behind the car in this group photo taken during one of the launch events.

e-mail me

Copyright© 2008 James M. Wilson All rights reserved.