A car that was a mess of different parts from different manufacturers: Lotus engine, Vauxhall suspension, Chrysler transmission…none of it worked very well. Most of these rusted out a long time ago; this one seems to have lived its whole life in Southern California and has fared considerably better.
This car, which marked the end for two fine British marques, was not so fine itself (I suppose that’s why it marked the end, then).
Santa Monica, CA
Photographed June 2011
It’s fair to say it didn’t sell very well, but it works brilliantly. Ask any long term owner, and they will tell you. They are ridiculously fun to drive, pretty reliable and easy to keep up with a few modifications. Contemporary reports show it out performing most of its competitors and it was the scca d production champion for ’73, and 74. It was even an e production champion in ’95. Misunderstood, and under-developed for sure, but time and patience rewards the owner who is willing to finish what the company started. The people behind this car and it’s engine were some of the best in the business. The JH was built during a very difficult time for the British auto industry and suffered for it. 45 years on, that isn’t important. Drive a well kept, sorted out JH and it will bring a smile to your face and raise your spirits, which is the point after all, isn’t it?