1950 Jensen PW

Highlights

One of only 18 Jensen PW models built, with only 4 known to survive
Believed to be the only fully roadworthy and road-legal example
Comprehensive history with original build documentation
Recently fitted with new Excelsior radial tyres
Part of a very important private Jensen collection including Jensen Number 1 | The White Lady

The Appeal

The Jensen PW - so called as it was the first post-war car manufactured by the Jensen Motor company - is about as rare as it gets, with only 18 of these highly distinguished, luxurious cars built between 1948 and 1952. This particular example, LGX774, stands out as the only known fully roadworthy and road-legal survivor. That makes this perhaps one of the most exclusive classics out there.

In its day, the PW was a remarkably innovative car and is still eminently usable. Boasting a 3.9L I6 powerplant, all-round coil spring suspension, and surprisingly high cruising speeds, it wouldn't be beyond the pale to say the PW was one of the finest cars to stem from the immediate post-war period - and perhaps one of Jensen's best ever pieces.

Of course, post-war also meant material shortages and austerity - meaning that only 18 rolled out of West Brom. Only four are known to survive - and the other three haven't returned to the road.

If that wasn't enough to get your attention, it may be the best example out there, too. This remarkable car has been meticulously maintained and preserved, with a comprehensive history that includes original build documentation from Jensen Motors. Over 74 years, the car has only covered 44,452 miles from new and has been under the care of just four owners.

The car's remarkable condition reflects a careful balance of originality and some gentle, but necessary updates, including a full mechanical rebuild an, electronic distributor, coil and - of course - new tyres.

Ultimately, you'll likely never get another opportunity to own a running example of this remarkable car; we'd recommend taking advantage of it!

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1950
Includes driver's manual and build documentation from Jensen Motors (original, not a copy)
British logbook and German registration
Jensen Motors built 18 PW between 1948 and 1952; 4 are known to survive
LGX774 is the only one that is fully roadworthy and road-legal
Bought from an expert who worked all his life on early Jensen cars
Regular oil changes and valve clearance adjustments done
4 registered keepers from new:
- First 2 owners in one village from 1950 until 1981
- In storage with owner number 3 (never driven) until 2007
- Owner number 4 had it until 2021; reassembled the car with total care to preserve originality
Technical Inspection valid until October 2024

The Condition

96% of the car is still original as it left the factory; not over-restored and shows 74 years of easy life
Finished in an attractive two-tone colour scheme
Grey paintwork is original to the car - the blue was was a DIY job, but does present well
Chromework is still bright and beautifully presented
All badges and branding in fine order
Wheels are in fine order, shod in new Excelsior tyres
Underside is like new, better than it left the factory
Internally, the car is in remarkable order
All original pig leather with fine patina and is still very supple
Woodwork is nicely kept with only light signs of use
All instruments are bright and legible
We're not aware of any technical issues throughout
Carpet has been renewed

The Mechanics

The PW is notable for its modern spec compared to other cars from the 50s:
- Coil springs all around, no leaf springs
- 3.9 litre Austin 6-cylinder engine with plenty of torque and 130hp
- Relaxed cruising at 70 mph is no problem; top speed never tested
- The vendor reports that the brakes are surprisingly good even in modern traffic
- Very sporty compared to similar cars like Bentley or other limousines of the era
- Full central lubrication system; no need to carry a grease gun, just press the pedal on the passenger side twice
Everything has been rebuilt to a very high standard
All original components are still in the car, fully rebuilt and in fine working order
Only the distributor and coil are modern electronic items
- The original Runbaken glass coil and Lucas distributor come with the car
Engine bay is very clean and well-kept
Mechanically the vendor believes it to be better than new
Car drove 570 miles from the United Kingdom to Germany without problems

Jensen PW_LIN_20201008034 Joerg Huesken Joerg Huesken.JPG 5.28 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

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