There’s something magical about classic British sports cars, isn’t there? They carry an undeniable charm, with their sleek lines, rumbling engines, and unmistakable character. I recently had the chance to relive that magic firsthand, and boy, did it take me back to the golden age of motoring. Today, I’m going to tell you a story about three absolute classics – the Jensen Healey, TVR S2 ,Lotus Elan –
The Jensen Healey: A Supergroup of British Engineering
First up, the Jensen Healey .Healey 3-litre, styled by the man who shaped the iconic Aston Martin Lagonda, and powered by a twin-cam Lotus engine – the Jensen Healey is the product of some of the greatest minds in British automotive history.
TVR S
Then there’s James with his TVR S2 – a car that could be best described as British engineering with a rebellious streak. Built in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the TVR S2 packed a punch with its 170-horsepower Cologne Ford V6 engine (straight from the Granada), but that’s not what made this car stand out. No, what truly set the TVR apart was its handmade quality – and sometimes, you could tell.
You see, with most cars, the magic is hidden under the hood. But with the TVR, it’s all about the details, or rather, the imperfections. As we admired this beauty, James lifted the carpet to reveal something unexpected – the car was literally signed by its maker. Yes, scrawled under the lining was a note from Nobby, the person who built the car. Where else but in a TVR could you find something so personal, so uniquely human? It’s these quirks that make the TVR what it is: flawed, but brilliant in its own way.
Lotus Elan: The Lightweight Champion
Lastly, Richard arrived in the car of his youth, a Lotus Elan. This one brought back memories not just for Richard, but for me too. The Elan was iconic for its lightweight build and revolutionary engineering. Even now, years later, it still looks fresh with that square, distinctive stance that made heads turn when it first hit the market.
One of the most impressive things about the Lotus Elan is its performance. It’s nimble, weighing just under 1,000 kg, thanks to its fiberglass bodywork. Despite its seemingly delicate frame, it’s a proper sports car – responsive and sharp around corners, making it a joy to drive on winding British roads.
In typical Lotus fashion, the engine was reliable – sourced from Isuzu – a
The Challenge: Testing British Icons
After admiring our cars and exchanging stories, it was time for a bit of fun – a race. Yes, these three classic British sports cars were about to be put to the test. We took to the Lotus test track to see which of these beauties would reign supreme.
Despite the passage of time, each of these cars still had plenty to offer. The Jensen Healey with its Lotus engine felt light and quick on the straights. The TVR S2, despite its occasional quirks, cornered like a champ with its rear-wheel drive. And the Lotus Elan, true to its lightweight design, felt like it was made for the track, handling each turn with finesse.
But here’s where things got interesting. After our race, the producer threw us a curveball. He brought out a Peugeot 205 GTI, a French hatchback that, back in the day, gave British sports cars a serious run for their money. We had to see how this little upstart would fare against our beloved British icons.
Surprisingly, the Peugeot 205 GTI – or rather, its diesel counterpart (since the GTI was nowhere to be found) – performed admirably. But let’s be honest, it could never replace the unique driving experience offered by the Jensen, TVR, or Lotus. It may have had speed, but it lacked the soul, the personality, that makes British sports cars so captivating.
A Celebration of British Craftsmanship
As I look back on that day, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with British sports cars in the first place. It’s not just about the horsepower or the 0-60 times – though those are fun to brag about – it’s about the stories these cars tell. Each one has a history, a personality, and a connection to its driver that modern cars sometimes lack.
The Jensen Healey, TVR S2, and Lotus Elan are more than just machines; they are symbols of a bygone era of craftsmanship and passion. If you ever have the chance to drive one, I urge you to do it. There’s nothing quite like it.
For a full review and to see these classic cars in action, check out our video on our channel! If you’re a fan of British sports cars or just curious about their history, you’ll love watching them race across the Lotus test track.