I've never owned a barn, but I've been in a few and I can't imagine that anything that has sat in one for 12 years (especially a car) can be described as "fresh". But, that's how this car is being described and if the text is true and the pictures are accurate, this Jensen Healey really is pretty "fresh".
Jensen Healeys are typical 1970s British cars. They have quirks. The seller states in his ad that the car hasn't been inspected since 1998, but he will get it inspected "if sold at asking price". That sounds pretty generous, but even with a sticker there are 2 important things that need to be replaced before you drive the car anywhere...The Jensen-Healey came with the then-new 1973cc Lotus 907 DOHC 16 valve engine. In fact, it was the first car (even before Lotus) to use that engine. This engine was the first to use a rubber timing belt. Unfortunately, it had a propensity for eating them and it is recommended that you change the belt every 18,000 miles (!!). Unless the seller can prove that he recently changed it, don't take any chances. Have the car towed home and change the belt before driving it. Also check the fuel system and replace any cracked lines and connectors. There are other common problems (leaks from around the cam cover being very common), but those are the two issues need to be addressed right away.
Jensen Healeys don't sell for a lot of money and this one, if it's all the seller says it is, is very reasonably priced at $3495.00. Even if you spend another $1500.00 - $2000.00 making it "right" (as opposed to "fresh", I guess), you'll still have a fairly rare (just over 10,000 were built in 4 years, but few survive due to timing belt and rust problems), semi-exotic (the Lotus engine), very fun to drive car for a very reasonable price.
Located in Macungie, PA, click here to see the Craigslist ad.
