NEXT GENERATION DIARIES
He might be in his 20s but Adam Fischer has driven his first and only car more than 60,000 miles in five years and his love affair with the Jensen-Healey continues to grow
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HOW DID YOU COME TO OWN YOUR CLASSIC?
‘Growing up I always knew that I’d drive a classic car. I went to loads of car shows in my dad’s Jensen SP but I never set out to have a Jensen of my own. I was 23 years old when I had finally saved enough money for my first car. I originally wanted a Triumph Spitfire, but when I tried one I couldn’t get comfortable… it was all just a bit too snug behind the wheel. Disappointed, I started investigating alternatives, which was when I saw the Jensen-Healey advertised for sale. My father travelled with me to see the car and we were both impressed by the condition of the bodywork – rust is an important factor in any 50-year-old car.’
WHAT DO YOU USE IT FOR?
‘The Jensen has been my much-loved daily driver throughout my five years of ownership. I’ve covered around 65,000 miles, taking the total to 135,000 on the odometer. The car lives outside and I do most of the maintenance myself. Whatever the weather or destination – anywhere in the British Isles or across Europe – I drive my 50-year-old classic 12,000-plus miles a year. Some Jensen- Healeys had overdrive fitted; mine doesn’t so that’s my next project. It’s a straightforward swap and will improve my fuel economy – I already see 32mpg on the motorway, which is pretty decent – as well as making long-distance cruising a much more relaxed affair. I’m not afraid to modify the car and I’ve even fitted cruise control.’
WHAT OWNERSHIP TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE?
‘I find the Jensen easy to work on; I’ve done servicing, wiring and welding. And there are specialists to call upon if you don’t want to do it yourself or are simply too busy. Most spares are available but performance parts for the Lotus engine aren’t cheap. I don’t have a garage so the Jensen lives outside on the driveway without suffering any ill-effects. Being a young person the
biggest hassle by far is insurance; most firms seem to only want older drivers covering low mileages. But I recently had a conversation with Adrian Flux at a car show and they seem more welcoming to the younger generation of enthusiasts, which is encouraging when I come to renew. For now, I tell myself that the cost of insurance is offset by my huge saving in new car depreciation.’
WHAT DO YOU SEE BEING IN YOUR GARAGE IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
‘I can’t see myself parting with the Jensen-Healey any time soon. As well as the driving pleasure it gives me, I also enjoy the knowledge that my classic car ownership is genuinely sustainable motoring. Building and then scrapping a new car – even electric ones – every ten years or so is an aspect of today’s throwaway
