Jensen-Healey Mk 2

Addressing the troubles with the early Jensen-Healeys led to a model revision known as the Mk.2, released in August 1973. It looked different, owing to changes in the paint detailing and the addition of side strips and side indicators on the RHD cars, and it was trimmed differently with a choice of black or tan interiors. An optional hard top also became available. In California, race versions were prepared by Kjell Qvale’s friend Joe Huffaker and they swept the board in SCCA Class D Production racing in 1973 and 1974. For 1975, the organizers reclassified the car, in effect banning it from Class D for being too competitive. The late models gained rubberized bumpers to comply with North American collision requirements, and a 5-speed Getrag gearbox was fitted to meet noise compliance laws in Europe. Reviewers liked the Mk.2, one going so far as to declare it a worthy candidate for the title of world’s best sports car (late example pictured). In total, 7144 Mk.2s were built by the time production ceased in 1975, most sold in North America. Australia took 144 Mk.2s but later imports bring the tally to around 150 known today.