Description
Coming to auction at Wilton House for the Concours Des Legendes, 19-21 June, full catalogue now online, search Dore & Rees Motoring for further info.
1955 Jenard Jabeka
Registration Number: UYB 681
Chassis Number: GMthe details below
Recorded Mileage: 13, 475 Miles
- The sole surviving example of just two original cars constructed
- Hand-built in 1955 with tubular chassis and aluminium coachwork
- Featured on television and multiple award-winning concours entrant
The post-war years saw a flourishing of low-volume British sports cars and ambitious independent manufacturers, many inspired by advances in lightweight engineering and aeronautical design. Among the more unusual survivors from this era is the Jenard Jabeka, a striking one-off sports car designed and built in 1955 by G. A. Elsemore, then a flight observer with Westland Aircraft.
Constructed around a tubular steel chassis and clothed in lightweight all-aluminium coachwork, it employs largely BMC components, and rides on a coil sprung, A-frame front suspension setup, with woodhead-Monroe dampers and twin parallel link rear. The Jabeka has a graceful and poised appearance, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the later AC Cobra in its curvaceous wings, oval grille and compact proportions. Remarkably, the Jabeka predates the Cobra by several years. Although plans reportedly existed for further production, only two original examples were constructed and unfortunately the other example was destroyed in track testing, making this car the sole survivor.
Power is provided by a 1960s Riley 1. 5 engine fitted with twin carburettors, offering lively performance well suited to the car’s lightweight construction. Also supplied is a Shorrocks supercharger which was we’re advised was once fitted, together with low sports separate windscreens and further additional spares. The car is equipped with a well-fitting vinyl hood, tonneau cover and solid side screens.
Acquired by the vendor’s late father in 1998, the Jabeka became a familiar entrant at classic motoring events throughout the West Country. In 1999 the body and paintwork were restored by Creative Cars of Dorset, with more recent maintenance entrusted to a reputable local specialist in British classics.
The car featured in the television series Classical Car Club presented by Tony Mason and has enjoyed success on the concours field, including:
Concours Class Winner - Greenwood Exhibitions, 2004
Special Class Winner - Southern Classics, 2005
1st place, Rare Breeds Car Show - Haynes International Motor Museum, 2008
Inherited by the current owner in 2013, the car continued to be cherished by the family, appearing at a family wedding in 2014 and displayed at the Wilton Estate Super Car event 2015 in memory of the vendor’s father.
Accompanying the car is a substantial history file containing servicing and maintenance invoices. Although seldom used in recent years, the Jabeka has continued to benefit from careful professional upkeep, including recommissioning works completed in late 2023 comprising oil and filter service, ignition components, wiring repairs, carburettor servicing, replacement fluids and brake system overhaul including new wheel cylinders and brake shoes.
A fascinating example of Britain’s post-war special-building movement, this unique Jenard Jabeka combines engaging provenance, distinctive and evocative styling and unique rarity.
Our vendor adds: “This car is returning to Wilton Estate for auction on Fathers Day in what would have been my father’s 100th year, I hope whoever has the good fortune to become the new owner will love and cherish it as much as he did.”
