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1973 Huffaker Jensen-Healey

1973 Huffaker Jensen-Healey

1973 Huffaker Jensen-Healey

For inclusion in the D-Production category of SCCA racing, Joe Huffaker converted five Jensen-Healeys for club racing. Over the course of the 1973 season, Lee Mueller became the D-Production champion and the Jensen-Healey won it’s first season.

Huffaker Engineering was based out of San Rafael, California and had close ties to the Qvale group which initially developed the Jensen-Healey road car. Much of the their development focused on upgrading the engine power as the rest of the car was engineered well from the onset.

To raise the stock 140 bhp to nearly 200 bhp, Huffaker fitted new engine internals such as forged pistons, De Long racing camshafts and stronger valve springs.

The stock suspension which was borrowed from the Vauxhall Viva was kept virtually stock expect for the fitting of Koni shock absorbers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The brake system included an adjustable front and rear bias proportioning valve and the stock power steering assist was removed.

In their September 1974 edition, Road & Track reported on the full test of the Huffaker Jensen-Healey. As driven by Lee Mueller they reached 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and a marked improvement in every area of performance around Riverside. The race car was 23 seconds faster than the road-going counterpart. R&T also reported that a complete racing car was available for $11,400 compared to the street car which listed at $6290.1

Sources & References

1. Wakefield, Ron. ‘Two Jensen-Healeys’ Road & Track. September 1974

In Detail

submitted by admin
type Racing Car
built at San Rafael, California, USA
production 5
price $ $ 11,400
engine Lotus Inline-4
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
fuel feed Twin Stromberg Carburettors
displacement 1973 cc / 120.4 in³
bore 94.0 mm / 3.7 in
stroke 68.6 mm / 2.7 in
power 146.2 kw / 196 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output 99.34 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 215.86 bhp per tonne
torque 210.2 nm / 155 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm
body / frame Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels RWD
wheel type Magnesium Minilite
front tires Goodyear Blue Streak
rear tires Goodyear Blue Streak
front brakes Discs
rear brakes Drums
r brake size 44.4 x 228.6 mm / 1.75 x 9 in
front wheels F 33 x 17.8 cm / 13 x 7 in
rear wheels R 33 x 17.8 cm / 13 x 7 in
f suspension A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Koni Shock Absorbers, Adj Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Coil Springs, Koni Shock Absorbers, Adj Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 908 kg / 2000 lbs
weight distro 50 % / 50 %
wheelbase 2336.8 mm / 92 in
front track 1404.6 mm / 55.3 in
rear track 1384.3 mm / 54.5 in
length 4114.7998 mm / 162 in
width 1607.8 mm / 63.3 in
height 1122.7 mm / 44.2 in
transmission Chrysler 4-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.12:1, 1.99:1, 1.3:1, 1:1
final drive 3.73:1
0 – 60 mph ~7.2 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~17.3 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~15 seconds
fuel capacity 45.42 litres or 12 gal.