133/5698 Questions

[Series3Jensen]

Hi all

I was reviewing the Joc Magazine 293 01/02.2024 and in particular the new member - Pal Dahlberg Mem No 11374 recent acquisition of Jensen Interceptor 133/5698
It would appear that according to Richard Calver's Chassis Data book, that this car was returned to the Jensen Factory in 1974 to be rebuilt as a Convertible and was repainted
Mustard with a Red Interior and Tan roof
However the information from Pal suggests that this is still a standard Coupe car??

I also noted that this cars appears to have been registered as Chassis No 136/8615
This car was originally Reg No UUY 45 L but also carried the Reg Nos of JSS 411 before being registered as VHJ 325 L
This car was for sale in JOC Magazine 160 11/12/2001 and the last logbook was issued in 12/2001 and has not been taxed since 30.04.2002
I have subsequently learnt recently that this car is in Norway / Scandinavia suggested that it was exported circa 2001/2

I would be very interested to clarify the Richard Calver note and further details on both of these cars

Regards

Jim Smith
JOC Mem No 1639
136/8791 RJF 17 Owned since September 1978

[John Staddon]

Hi Jim

The Genome gives more information than the Chassis Data Book and says 5698 may have been rebuilt as a convertible, according to one factory record, however, a different factory record gives a different registration for the car that was converted, so not 5698 but another car. Calver says this discrepancy has not been resolved. I think the information from Pal Dahlberg resolves the discrepancy, 5698 was not rebuilt and at some point was given the interior from another car, 136/8615, and, somehow, also acquired the identity of 136/8615, because the replacement interior included a data plate showing that chassis number. Why this was allowed to happen is anyone's guess as there must surely have been paperwork with the car when it was imported (remember it was a USA car) and that would have shown the correct chassis number, but there is a possible explanation - 8615 was rotten and 5698 was acquired as a donor car and two cars became one. The JOC knows the car as 136/8615 with two previous owners in Norway and two UK owners before that, the first in 1997. so as to when this happened, who in the UK would want a LHD car? My guess it happened in Norway, but why the ID of 5698 wasn't kept is a puzzle!



John

[Series3Jensen]

Hi John

Thank you for your update
I had not realised until quite recently that the Genome was an update on the original Chassis Data book

It is interesting to note that in JOC Magazine 159 09/10.2001 with a photo, that the bodywork for 136/8615 was recorded as requiring some attention
As you say, it is now reasonable to assume that 133/5698 was not the car that was subsequently converted to a Convertible

Regards

Jim Smith
JOC Mem No 1639
136/8791 RJF 17 Owned since September 1978

[Martin R]

Being in Scandinavia / Norway may also mean it was a car on which the chassis plate was changed to avoid import tax... Quite well known practice at one time..

[palad]

Hi all,

Pål, the owner of 133/5698 here, with a bit of clarification (hopefully).

I have no doubt that my car is 133/5698. Although currently red, traces of dark blue paint and small remains of red leather appear to confirm this. If a car was rebuilt to a convertible as per Richard Calver, it was not this one. How 5698 came to Norway is likely to remain a mystery - it may well have been one of the infamous dodgy imports to Sweden. The car currently resides with Andy of Appleyard for some much-needed TLC, including a repaint (probably to California Sage).

About 136/8615: I reached out today to my car's former owner ("a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory ..."). As far as he could recall, 136/8615 was imported to Norway about 2001, being badly rusted at that time. It was broken for parts and never registered in this country.

[palad]

BTW, this topic might perhaps be better placed under the Members' Cars category, as 133/5698 is not for sale ...

[Series3Jensen]

Pal

Thank you for your response and clarification
It was my error in placing this Topic in the wrong JOC forum section - my apologies

I hope that your car is delivered to you soon to enjoy

Regards

Jim Smith
JOC Mem No 1639
136/8791 RJF 17 Owned since September 1978

[VFK44]

Topic moved to Members' Cars.

Stephen, Moderator

[palad]

Thanks, Stephen!