28th Jul, 2004 0:00
The Pavilion Gardens
1938 Jensen S Type 3.5 Litre Drophead Coupe
Sold for £29,812
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: EA 9482
Chassis No: S7352/532
Mot Expiry: July 2005
The 3.5 litre Jensen really originated with Edsel Ford and his chief designer Gregoire in 1934. He didn't tell his father about his plans and wrote to Sir Percival Perry, the boss of Ford UK, with the designs of this new 'special sports' and through Colonel Brabazon appointed the Jensen brothers to build it. It was based upon a modified Ford Lincoln model 40 chassis, with elements of the new 48 chassis, and two prototpyes were built one being the 'White Lady' that involved Clark Gable. The car has only retrospectively become known as the S-Type, it was never marketed as such, and comes from the fact that Jensen car serial numbers began with the letter S.
This beautifully restored example is the 32nd car produced by Jensen and one of only 9 'S' types produced prior to the outbreak of hostilities. It was found in a derelict condition some years ago since when it has undergone a bare chassis rebuild including the sensible upgrading of hydraulic brakes and re-circulating ball steering. Completed in 1994 the North Eastern owner achieved an overall concours win at the Jensen Owners Club International Weekend since which it has covered some 10000 trouble free miles.
With its three position drophead body and burgundy coachwork it is surely a match for any British car of the period. Powered by Ford's 3.6 litre flathead V8, as modified by Jensen, this example has a recorded mileage of 44230. Extremely well presented this rare and early Jensen is a stylish and affordable entry to 1930s Sports car ownership just as Edsel Ford intended all those years ago and Sir Malcolm Campbell, on driving the car, reported in the Field magazine on Jan 17th 1937 that 'I have nothing but praise for the car'.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 28th Jul, 2004
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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