Jensen Healey Tire Pressures

To find tires for your Jensen Healey see our Jensen Healey Tires page.

The ideal tire pressure for a Jensen Healey is 24-24 PSI.
To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guide.

Our recommended Jensen Healey tire is the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
To see more information on Jensen Healey tires follow the link to our Jensen Healey Tires Tire Section.

Airborne Jensen Healey - Photo by Tony Abbey

Recommended Tire pressures for a Jensen Healey

In the world of classic cars finding tire pressure and fitment data can be difficult. Often there is contradictory data that must be closely read and interpreted. The Jensen Healey is an outlier in that all the period fitment guides agree to a 185/70 R13 tire and 24 psi all round.

With contemporary rubber compounds, safety standards, and tire manufacturing methods, some worry that historic tire pressure recommendations are no longer accurate. We spoke to our friend at Pirelli who told us the following:

"Our philosophy is to reproduce as closely as possible the original tyre characteristics using new processes and materials thus to maintain the handling of the vehicle the same. This means, yes we maintain the original handbook pressures.”

If you are interested in the tire installation manuals from tire manufacturers of the era, have a look at our collection of Tire Fitment Guides.

Tire	Front Tire Pressure (PSI/BAR)	Rear Tire Pressure (PSI/BAR)
185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36	24 / 1.65	24 / 1.65
185/70 R 13 Michelin XDX	24 / 1.65	24 / 1.65
185/70R13 Dunlop SP Sport AquaJet	24 / 1.65	24 / 1.65
185/70 HR 13 Avon CR6ZZ	24 / 1.65	24 / 1.65

1973 Jensen Healey Advertisement

Jensen Healey Tires

The original equipment tires for the Jensen Healey were either 185/70R13 Dunlop or 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36. However, we highly recommend opting for the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 as the ideal choice for the Jensen Healey.

The PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 is an excellent low-profile tire that serves as an authentic period upgrade, preserving the handling characteristics of lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s. Its rounded shoulders have been specifically designed to complement the technology of that era.

When driving a light rear wheel driven classic car like the Jensen Healey, the key focus is on its handling capabilities. By fitting the period performance tire such as the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, you can ensure the best driving experience.

Jensen Healey Alternative Tires

The Jensen Healey offers a range of alternative tire options, but it's important to consider their limitations. The 185/70R13 Dunlop SP Sport AquaJet falls short in terms of sportiness and overall handling when compared to the CN36. Another alternative worth considering is the 185/70 R 13 Michelin XDX, a top-tier tire that offers exceptional performance. However, it is more suitable for individuals with a higher budget compared to the CN36. When deciding between the two, the ultimate determining factor would be personal preference in terms of aesthetics since both are high quality performance tires perfectly suited to the Healey.

The 185/70 HR 13 Avon CR6ZZ is known for its exceptional performance on the track; however, it is not specifically designed for longevity under road use and will wear out much faster than the CN36. This tire is road legal which means it can be driven to the track/hill, raced competitively, and driven home on the same rubber! Think carefully before you run your car on race tires, as they can get so sticky with use that they throw stones at the underside of the car when used on the road!

1973 Jensen Healey

Jensen Healey Autocar Advertisement

Jensen Healey Innertubes

Our historic innertube guides inform us that the Jensen Healey was released on tubeless wheels throughout its production. Unless your rims show signs of damage or wear, the use of innertubes is not necessary.

If you decide to fit innertubes the Michelin 13E is the ideal innertube for these tires.

PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Tire Test

Although there are alternative tire choices accessible for the Jensen Healey, their level of performance make them less suited to a light rear wheel drive. To explore the optimal tire options suitable for your Healey, it is recommended to consult a comprehensive article from "Autoblid-Klassic," a renowned German vintage automobile magazine. This article provides a detailed comparison of various tire options available for classic Porsche models, including the PIRELLI CN36 which proved to be the best!

Jensen Healey History

The Jensen Healey, produced by Jensen Motors Ltd. from 1972 to 1976, was designed as an affordable successor to the Jensen Interceptor, created by Donald Healey himself. Unveiled at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show, it showcased sleek, aerodynamic body design by Italian coachbuilder Vignale.

With a Lotus-designed 2.0-liter, 16-valve, twin-cam engine, generating 140 horsepower, the Jensen Healey offered exceptional performance and handling. It featured independent rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes, with a spacious interior boasting modern amenities.

Transmission options varied, with the Mark I models using a four-speed Chrysler transmission and the Mark II models featuring a Getrag 235 five-speed transmission. Suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front, with a live rear axle and trailing arms. Braking systems used front discs and rear drums.

Production numbers included 3,356 units for the Jensen Healey Mark I (March 1972 - May 1973), 7,142 units for the Mark II and JH5 (August 1973 - August 1975), and 509 units for the Jensen GT (September 1975 - May 1976).

Jensen Healey Advert

Jensen Healey Article

Jensen Motors, being a small manufacturer, faced challenges in meeting the demand due to production and quality issues. The car suffered from typical 1970s problems such as rust-prone steel, cheap plastic and cardboard fittings, and poor build quality. These factors ultimately contributed to its downfall. In 1974, the United States Government required the installation of rubber bumpers on cars, including the Jensen Healey. This addition detracted significantly from the car's aesthetics, damaging its reputation.

The year 1975 saw a combination of factors, including the industrial crisis in the UK, the global oil crisis, and declining sales of the larger Jensen Interceptor. In response, Jensen Motors decided to concentrate on producing a 2+2 coupe variant called the Jensen GT, following the successful approach taken with the MGB GT. However, the company faced financial difficulties, selling the GT at a loss, and manufacturing only around 500 units. In September 1975, Jensen Motors went into receivership.

The Jensen Healey made notable appearances in popular culture, including the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun" and participation in motorsport events like Le Mans and Spa 24 Hours. Today, the Jensen Healey remains cherished by enthusiasts, admired for its stylish design, spirited performance, and its significant role in Jensen's automotive legacy. It continues to captivate car enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless appeal.