A phenomenal amount of interest in classic cars a few years ago, caused much to be published and prices to escalate beyond belief.
This was at a time when an Aston Martin Zagato, racing car (that never won a race), sold for over a million and a half pounds. An 'E' type Jaguar commanded as much as £90,000 for what was a mass produced car (and so many were made in the 12 years of production). It is not so surprising that many enthusiasts were unable to afford an interesting classic.
Since those heady days the situation has changed dramatically, the recession, resulted in more sensible prices for most classic cars.
However, even when prices were rather ridiculous, there was a remarkable, distinctive, car of the early '60s that was overlooked, available at a very reasonable cost, and still is undervalued.
Hand built, with very few maintenance problems, and best of all no body rust to worry about! It is one, of very few classic cars, that can actually be used as a daily form of transport - I had been driving one for well over 25 years and now my son still uses it.
I am referring to Jensen cars of the early '60s, designed by Eric Neale, and made at the time when Richard and Alan Jensen owned the company. Particularly, the Jensen CV8 (this is the model before the Interceptor) with the huge 6 litre V8 engine and the 541S.
The CV8 was the fastest four-seater car of all in 1965, and I drove my special one off version, commissioned by Hardy Amies, every day until I emigrated from the UK a few years ago.
The other favourite is the classic British thoroughbred the 541. Especially, the last model made prior to the CV8, with the 4 litre straight six Austin Princes engine, particularly the manual drive version of the Jensen 541S.
Classic car show awards
For so many years these Jensen cars have not been expensive by comparison with any other classics of the period. Very strange really when one considers that, at most of the important classic car shows in the past, Jensen won all the best awards.
Up against all the well known prestigious makes, the Jensen Owners Club, together with Dave Horton's famous CV8, have won; 'Car of the show', or 'Best of the master class' and 'Best club stand' and so on. There can hardly be a worthwhile classic car award that has not been won by a Jensen!
The Rare Manual Drive 541S Jensen Classic Car
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Monday, May 25, 2009
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A phenomenal amount of interest in classic cars a few years ago, caused much to be published and prices to escalate beyond belief.
This was at a time when an Aston Martin Zagato, racing car (that never won a race), sold for over a million and a half pounds. An 'E' type Jaguar commanded as much as £90,000 for what was a mass produced car (and so many were made in the 12 years of production). It is not so surprising that many enthusiasts were unable to afford an interesting classic.
Since those heady days the situation has changed dramatically, the recession, resulted in more sensible prices for most classic cars.
However, even when prices were rather ridiculous, there was a remarkable, distinctive, car of the early '60s that was overlooked, available at a very reasonable cost, and still is undervalued.
Hand built, with very few maintenance problems, and best of all no body rust to worry about! It is one, of very few classic cars, that can actually be used as a daily form of transport - I had been driving one for well over 25 years and now my son still uses it.
I am referring to Jensen cars of the early '60s, designed by Eric Neale, and made at the time when Richard and Alan Jensen owned the company. Particularly, the Jensen CV8 (this is the model before the Interceptor) with the huge 6 litre V8 engine and the 541S.
The CV8 was the fastest four-seater car of all in 1965, and I drove my special one off version, commissioned by Hardy Amies, every day until I emigrated from the UK a few years ago.
The other favourite is the classic British thoroughbred the 541. Especially, the last model made prior to the CV8, with the 4 litre straight six Austin Princes engine, particularly the manual drive version of the Jensen 541S.
Classic car show awards
For so many years these Jensen cars have not been expensive by comparison with any other classics of the period. Very strange really when one considers that, at most of the important classic car shows in the past, Jensen won all the best awards.
Up against all the well known prestigious makes, the Jensen Owners Club, together with Dave Horton's famous CV8, have won; 'Car of the show', or 'Best of the master class' and 'Best club stand' and so on. There can hardly be a worthwhile classic car award that has not been won by a Jensen!
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